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Card Subject To Change

Name: Card Subject To Change
Director: Tim Disbrow
Released: 2010
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2010

Director

Tim Disbrow

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tim Disbrow’s debut documentary provides an ethnographic look at the precarious, low-income world of independent professional wrestling. It prioritizes the raw, systemic realities of the sport over polished, commercialized entertainment. While the film offers meaningful insight into a underrepresented economic subculture and includes diverse legendary figures, it lacks intentional identity-based narratives. The representation is a byproduct of the setting rather than a central theme. Ultimately, the work succeeds as a study of labor and perseverance, but it does not explicitly utilize frameworks of diverse representation or systemic subversion.

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Category Breakdown

Does Card Subject To Change have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on the physical grit and economic struggles of the wrestling circuit. There is no explicit mention of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives centered around non-cisgender identities.

How does Card Subject To Change portray gender?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes traditional masculine traits of physical toughness and endurance. There is no specific evidence showing female performers as central drivers of the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Card Subject To Change?

Fair

The documentary features diverse legendary figures, such as Kamala, introducing significant racial diversity. The grassroots settings likely reflect a broad demographic spectrum.

How does Card Subject To Change represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges conventional success clichés by highlighting the anti-capitalist reality of the independent circuit. It presents a nuanced view of labor and passion against economic odds.

Does Card Subject To Change include disability representation?

Limited

There is no evidence that neurodivergence or physical disabilities are central themes. The focus remains on the physical toll of the sport rather than the role of disabled individuals.

Present on Screen

Provides a meaningful look at a underrepresented economic subculture.
Includes diverse legendary figures like Kamala to broaden the cast.
Challenges traditional success clichés by focusing on the reality of low-income labor.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Does not feature female performers as central drivers of the plot.
Provides no specific focus on neurodivergence or disability ability to act.

Official Synopsis

CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE: PRO WRESTLING'S UNDERGROUND takes you deep inside the underground world of professional wrestling. This compelling film follows several wrestlers as they make their way through the local VFW halls, high school gyms and Elks' lodges grinding it out on the independent circuit where the payouts can range from $5 - $20 per match. Some do it for the love of the sport, others desperate to make it big; it is both heart-pounding and heart-wrenching. Tim Disbrow makes his directorial debut as he documents the circuit's legends, including: Kevin Sullivan, Michael "Trent Acid" Verdi, Rhett Titus, Sabu, Kamala and Necro Butcher, who also made an appearance in the critically-acclaimed film, The Wrestler.

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