Starting a Skyscraper
1902
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Representation score: 0.6 out of 10
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Skyscraper
Representation Score
2.0/10
Limited
1959
Director
Shirley Clarke, Willard Van Dyke, Wheaton Galentine, Irving Jacoby, D. A. Pennebaker
Runtime
22 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetNew Showbiz Analysis
Skyscraper serves as a period-specific observational record of mid-century American industrialism. Its primary purpose is documenting engineering and labor rather than exploring social identity. The film mirrors the rigid hierarchies of 1959. The production lacks intentionality in disrupting traditional norms. While it provides a candid look at the era's diverse labor pool, it does not actively engage with racial, gender, or cultural representation beyond the standard realities of the time. Ultimately, the film functions as a celebration of corporate and economic growth. It adheres to the social structures of its era, prioritizing the technical achievements of the Tishman Building over social diversity.
Category Breakdown
Does Skyscraper have LGBTQ+ representation?
The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives related to non-traditional gender identities.
How does Skyscraper portray gender?
The documentary highlights a predominantly male workforce, emphasizing traditional 1950s masculine roles in physical labor. It does not depict any women's ability to drive the story or challenge traditional gender roles.
How racially and ethnically diverse is Skyscraper?
The film captures a workforce that reflects mid-century New York demographics. While it showcases a diverse labor pool, it does not intentionally address multiple aspects of identity.
How does Skyscraper represent religion and culture?
The narrative celebrates mid-century capitalist expansion and Western architectural achievements. It does not offer any critique of Western institutions or moral relativism.
Does Skyscraper include disability representation?
The film focuses on the idealized physical strength needed for high-altitude construction. It does not represent neurodivergence or physical disabilities.
Present on Screen
- Provides a candid, observational look at the diverse labor pool required for large-scale urban projects in mid-century New York.
Limited or Absent
- Lacks representation of women's ability to drive the story or any challenge to traditional gender roles within the industrial setting.
- Does not include representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities, focusing instead on idealized physical strength.
- Fails to explore multi-layered identities, adhering strictly to the social hierarchies of the 1950s.
Official Synopsis
Nominated for an Academy Award, this live-action short film playfully chronicles the construction of the Tishman Building at 666 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
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