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The Abominable Man of Customs

The Abominable Man of Customs

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

1963

Director

Marc Allégret

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a traditional genre piece, relying on established clichés of mid-century comedic crime narratives. The plot prioritizes a mistaken identity storyline over exploring diverse identities. Since the story focuses on the conflict between a peaceful customs officer and a criminal gang, the character dynamics remain rooted in conventional social hierarchies. There is little evidence of intentional efforts to challenge institutional norms. Ultimately, the work lacks the complexity needed for stories that reflect multiple aspects of diversity, mirroring the demographic and social status quo of 1960s European cinema.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Abominable Man of Customs have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows a classic comedy of errors involving criminal gangs and a customs officer. It does not include LGBTQ+ characters or challenge the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender, sticking to the conventions of the time.

How does The Abominable Man of Customs portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male characters in positions of power within criminal organizations. Women play a less prominent role compared to the main conflict between the customs officer and the criminal.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Abominable Man of Customs?

Limited

Set in Marseille, the film showcases local French gangs and an American criminal. However, it reflects the demographic uniformity common in mid-century French films without highlighting racial diversity.

How does The Abominable Man of Customs represent religion and culture?

Fair

The plot follows a traditional comedy of errors framework centered on law enforcement and crime. It operates within the standard legal and social institutions of the era, guided by a conventional moral compass.

Does The Abominable Man of Customs include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not mention characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There is no indication of how neurodivergence or physical impairments are portrayed.

Present on Screen

  • The film offers a clear, plot-driven comedy of errors centered on a mistaken identity storyline.

Limited or Absent

  • The narrative lacks diverse character identities and fails to challenge traditional social or gender hierarchies.
  • There is no representation for LGBTQ+, racial, or disabled characters within the story.

Official Synopsis

Two rival gangs fight over drug trafficking. An American killer named Timetti Le Muet arrives at Marseille airport to make a delivery to Arnakos' gang. He is denounced to the police, and the peaceful customs officer Camposantos is put in charge of his arrest. Following a mix-up, Camposantos is mistaken for the killer himself. Taken in by Arnakos' men, the innocent customs officer is forced to play a rather unexpected role.

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