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Fierce Creatures

Name: Fierce Creatures
Director: Robert Young, Fred Schepisi
Released: 1997
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1997

PG-13

Director

Robert Young, Fred Schepisi

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Fierce Creatures primarily parodies Western clichés through intellectual deconstruction rather than social representation. While it lacks meaningful diversity, it successfully challenges the 'heroic outlaw' archetype using humor. The film’s historical setting limits its racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, but it provides social commentary on systemic desperation and conformity. Its value lies in critiquing societal structures rather than promoting inclusivity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Fierce Creatures have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional structures that assume everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships among the main characters.

How does Fierce Creatures portray gender?

Fair

The film challenges the idea of rugged masculinity by showing male protagonists as incompetent and comical. Female characters play important roles in the comedy but do not change the existing gender hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Fierce Creatures?

Limited

The cast is mostly white, reflecting the historical setting of the late 19th century. The film does not explore multi-layered racial dynamics within its historical context.

How does Fierce Creatures represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques Western frontier mythology by contrasting outlaws with a strict, capitalist system. It deconstructs the romanticized idea of the lawless West.

Does Fierce Creatures include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any significant depictions of disabilities that drive the plot or serve as central elements.

Present on Screen

Challenges the rugged masculine ideal by portraying male protagonists as incompetent and humorous.
Offers a sophisticated critique of Western frontier mythology and social structures.
Uses comedy to challenge the romanticized notion of the lawless, heroic outlaw.

Limited or Absent

Does not include significant representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender expressions.
Maintains a predominantly white cast, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not depict disabilities as central or driving narrative elements.

Official Synopsis

Ex-policeman Rollo Lee is sent to run Marwood Zoo, the newly acquired business of a New Zealand tycoon. In order to meet high profit targets and keep the zoo open, Rollo enforces a new 'fierce creatures' policy, whereby only the most impressive and dangerous animals are allowed to remain in the zoo. However, the keepers are less enthusiastic about complying with these demands.

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