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Lifted

Name: Lifted
Director: Gary Rydstrom
Released: 2006
Duration: 5 min

Representation Score

0.4/10

Minimal

2006

Director

Gary Rydstrom

Runtime

5 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lifted is a slapstick-driven animated short that prioritizes physical comedy and technical animation over social issues. By using non-humanoid extraterrestrial characters, the film sidesteps traditional social identity. The narrative structure focuses on the tension between mentorship and a novice's enthusiasm. Given the alien setting, the film avoids the complexities of race, gender, and identity politics. While this approach avoids harmful stereotypes, it also misses opportunities for meaningful representation and challenging traditional social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Lifted have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't depict any gender identity or sexual orientation. Since the characters are non-humanoid aliens, the story doesn't touch on themes related to heterosexual relationships.

How does Lifted portray gender?

Limited

The interaction follows a traditional teacher-student relationship. Characters are male-coded through behavior, but their roles are defined by technical skills rather than gendered expectations.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lifted?

Minimal

The extraterrestrial cast avoids any racial or ethnic representation. The single human character is asleep, making any potential for ethnic or cultural characterization irrelevant.

How does Lifted represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative centers on a singular technical task and avoids engaging with religion or capitalism. It sticks to a universal cliché of a failing student.

Does Lifted include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no depictions of neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses. Character struggles are purely situational and related to mechanical failures rather than inherent differences.

Present on Screen

Avoids harmful stereotypes by using non-humanoid characters.
Focuses on universal comedic clichés like the 'failing student' that transcend specific social identities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks meaningful representation or the subversion of traditional social hierarchies.
The use of an extraterrestrial cast precludes any engagement with diverse human identities.

Official Synopsis

When an overconfident teen alien gets behind the controls of a spaceship, he must attempt to abduct a slumbering farmer under the watchful eye of a critical instructor. But abducting humans requires precision and a gentle touch, and within a few missteps it's painfully clear why more humans don't go missing every year.

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