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Historias lamentables

Name: Historias lamentables
Director: Javier Fesser
Released: 2021
Duration: 129 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2021

Director

Javier Fesser

Runtime

129 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Javier Fesser’s anthology uses surrealism and the grotesque to challenge traditional storytelling. While the film avoids many conventional formulas through its absurd lens, it lacks the focused, actively leading multi-layered character arcs needed for a higher score. The film gains strength from its perspective shifts, particularly through a young female protagonist's viewpoint and the inclusion of immigrant themes. These elements introduce a layer of diversity that challenges a purely homogeneous cast. However, the representation remains moderate. The absence of visible LGBTQ+ narratives and the ambiguity around how eccentric characters are portrayed leave significant gaps in the film's commitment to inclusion.

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Category Breakdown

Does Historias lamentables have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The anthology includes surrealist vignettes but does not feature prominent LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Historias lamentables portray gender?

Fair

The film shifts the traditional male-centric viewpoint by focusing on a young female protagonist named María. This change provides a moderate boost to the score.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Historias lamentables?

Fair

The inclusion of Ayoub, a young immigrant, adds an multi-layered element to the Spanish setting. However, the film lacks actively leading roles for characters of color throughout the anthology.

How does Historias lamentables represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative employs postmodernist techniques to deconstruct reality and critique traditional social structures. It portrays childhood as a space of surrealist rebellion against adult logic.

Does Historias lamentables include disability representation?

Fair

The film uses the grotesque and the absurd, which often overlap with eccentric characters. However, there is insufficient evidence that these characters are meaningful representations of disability.

Present on Screen

The film shifts the traditional male-centric viewpoint by focusing on a young female protagonist.
The inclusion of a young immigrant adds important multi-layered and ethnic diversity.
The surrealist structure allows for a critique of traditional social structures and adult logic.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks prominent LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the assumption everyone is straight or cisgender.
There is a lack of actively leading roles for characters of color throughout the anthology.
The use of the grotesque leaves disability representation feeling ambiguous rather than meaningful.

Official Synopsis

This satirical anthology tells the surreal stories of a gift for Don Horacio, a trip to the beach for Bermejo, a life-changing relationship between Tina and the young immigrant Ayoub, and a new client for a company that specializes in excuses.

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