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Struck by Lightning

Name: Struck by Lightning
Director: Brian Dannelly
Released: 2013
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2013

Not Rated

Director

Brian Dannelly

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Struck by Lightning is an intellectual character study that emphasizes individual thought over broad social contexts. It successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies by placing the female lead as the primary intellectual force. However, the film remains confined to a homogeneous, white, middle-class academic environment, neglecting the complexities of diverse lived experiences. It leaves significant gaps in representation of LGBTQ+, racial, and disability communities. Overall, the narrative focuses on the intricacies of the mind rather than the diversity of the human experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does Struck by Lightning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or perspectives, sticking to a framework that assumes everyone is straight and cisgender. It does not provide any platform for queer voices or identities.

How does Struck by Lightning portray gender?

Good

Georgina stands out as the intellectual leader of the story, showing strong ability to act and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. She demonstrates cognitive authority that typically centers male characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Struck by Lightning?

Limited

The film focuses on a predominantly white, middle-class academic community. It does not offer diverse casting or engage with non-Anglo-Saxon perspectives.

How does Struck by Lightning represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie criticizes the pretentiousness of academic authority and the 'ivory tower' mentality. However, it does not address broader systemic issues or anti-Western critiques.

Does Struck by Lightning include disability representation?

Minimal

The characters are portrayed within a neurotypical and able-bodied context. There is no focus on physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies by positioning the female lead as the main intellectual driver.
Offers meaningful representation of female cognitive authority and academic ability to act.

Limited or Absent

Focuses on a predominantly white, middle-class academic community, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not include LGBTQ+ perspectives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Provides no representation for neurodivergent or physically disabled characters.

Official Synopsis

After being struck and killed by lightning, a young man recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.

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