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The Next Man

Name: The Next Man
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Released: 1976
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

1976

Director

Richard C. Sarafian

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Next Man stands out for its era by challenging the typical Western-centric hero archetype. By placing an Arab diplomat at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical mission, the film grants a significant role in driving the story to a non-Western protagonist. However, the film remains rooted in the social norms of 1970s action cinema. It adheres to straight-centered romantic structures and maintains a male-dominated hierarchy in its character dynamics. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its cultural complexity, even as it upholds traditional gender and LGBTQ+ representations.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Next Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film features a traditional romantic relationship between Khalil and Nicole. There is no indication of queer subtext or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Next Man portray gender?

Fair

Nicole participates in the action, but the plot is driven mainly by Khalil's role. The story emphasizes male leadership and decision-making.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Next Man?

Good

By centering an Arab diplomat as the main character, the film breaks away from Western-centric clichés. This offers significant ethnic representation and empowerment for the time period.

How does The Next Man represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative delves into the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy and religious tensions. It avoids simplistic Western moral binaries by focusing on intricate international power dynamics.

Does The Next Man include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film's synopsis.

Present on Screen

Centers a Middle Eastern protagonist as a powerful agent of geopolitical change.
Challenges Anglo-Saxon cinematic perspectives by focusing on Arab diplomatic initiatives.
Explores complex, non-singular moral frameworks within international relations.

Limited or Absent

Maintains a traditional straight-centered romantic structure without queer representation.
Relies on a male-centric hierarchy where the female lead's role is secondary.
Lacks representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Khalil is an Arab diplomat who wants to not only make peace with Israel, but admit the Jewish state as a member of OPEC. This instantly makes him a target for a series of ingeniously conceived assassination attempts, most of which he foils with the aid of his friend Hamid and his girlfriend Nicole. But can he trust even them?

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