You are here:

Malice in Wonderland

Name: Malice in Wonderland
Director: Gus Trikonis
Released: 1985
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1985

Director

Gus Trikonis

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Malice in Wonderland succeeds as a character study that challenges the traditional male-dominated hierarchy of the studio era. By placing women at the center of professional power shifts, the film shifts the balance of power away from traditional male leaders. However, the film's focus remains narrow concerning other forms of identity. The historical setting and emphasis on industry gatekeeping suggest a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, reflecting the homogeneity of the era. Ultimately, the film provides a sophisticated critique of institutional power. It replaces traditional hero clichés with a nuanced exploration of how influence and subjective ethics shape social structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Malice in Wonderland have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond traditional heterosexual relationships. It focuses on the professional world of Hollywood gossip, which may follow conventional romantic storylines.

How does Malice in Wonderland portray gender?

Good

The movie challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the active role of women. Instead of being passive, the women are shown as the main drivers of industry-wide consequences and power shifts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Malice in Wonderland?

Fair

The focus on historical figures from the Hollywood gossip industry suggests a time when racial diversity was limited. There is no indication of a diverse cast or significant racial representation.

How does Malice in Wonderland represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores moral ambiguity by presenting its protagonists as dangerous figures. It questions established institutions through a portrayal of the manipulative Hollywood studio system.

Does Malice in Wonderland include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the story.

Present on Screen

Highlights the active role of women in challenging traditional gender roles.
Offers a sophisticated critique of institutional and studio power structures.
Examines complex interpersonal dynamics and the mechanics of influence.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or stories.
Shows little evidence of racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not represent characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Struggling actress Hedda Hopper can't get a break in Hollywood, even though an acquaintence of hers is the extremely powerful gossip monger Louella Parsons - maker and breaker of careers (and lives) through her daily syndicated newspaper column. The big movie moguls, fed up with Parson's power over their stars, decide to de-claw her by setting up gossip Hopper as a competitor in the rumour industry. What they couldn't forsee was that Hopper would become as big as Parsons -- and every bit as much of a pain. Based on the true life stories of two of the most powerful (and arguably dangerous) women of Hollywood's hay-day.

How are these scores produced? →