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The Tenth Man

Name: The Tenth Man
Director: Jack Gold
Released: 1988
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

2.3/10

Limited

1988

Not Rated

Director

Jack Gold

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Tenth Man is a period-specific psychological drama that emphasizes historical realism over modern characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative focuses on the tension between objective truth and the subjective necessity of survival during World War II. While the film deconstructs the concept of a fixed identity through Chavel’s deception, it does so through a traditional dramatic lens. It lacks the intentionality required to meet contemporary progressive standards regarding social hierarchies. Ultimately, the work is culturally specific and historically grounded, centering on the moral ambiguity of an individual caught in systemic violence rather than exploring diverse social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Tenth Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It focuses on a traditional masculine psychological struggle without addressing queer identities.

How does The Tenth Man portray gender?

Limited

The drama follows a traditional gender hierarchy, focusing on the roles of male protagonists and authority figures. It does not challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Tenth Man?

Limited

The film portrays European and Jewish identities from WWII-era Paris. It does not use diverse casting to challenge the social constraints of the time.

How does The Tenth Man represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores moral relativism through the protagonist's survival choices during wartime. It examines individual ethics within systemic violence.

Does The Tenth Man include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The characters' struggles are primarily psychological and existential.

Present on Screen

Deeply explores moral relativism and situational ethics.
Historically portrays Jewish identity during the occupation of Paris.
Deconstructs the concept of a fixed identity through character deception.

Limited or Absent

Does not engage with LGBTQ+ narratives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Follows a traditional gender hierarchy with limited gender role subversion.
Does not utilize diverse casting to challenge historical social constraints.

Official Synopsis

During World War 2 the Germans arrested people at random off the streets of Paris and in retaliation to sabotage by the resistance announced the execution of one in ten prisoners. Chosen as one of the victims, lawyer Chavel trades his place with another man in return for all his possessions. At the end of the war he returns to his house and tries to integrate himself with the family of the man who traded places with him, all the while hiding his true identity. However matters are complicated when a stranger arrives claiming to be Chavel.

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