You are here:

Black Thursday

Name: Black Thursday
Director: Michel Mitrani
Released: 1974
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1974

Director

Michel Mitrani

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Black Thursday is a powerful critique of institutional authority that prioritizes the experiences of North African immigrants to challenge Western dominance. It centers the ability to act of these communities and documents the systemic violence they face. However, the film remains limited by its adherence to a traditional patriarchal framework and a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities. Despite its strengths in critiquing state policing and highlighting racialized injustice, it does not explore diverse gender roles or non-straight-centered lives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Black Thursday have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. Instead, it focuses on socio-political tensions between the state and immigrant communities.

How does Black Thursday portray gender?

Fair

The story follows a traditional patriarchal framework centered on a middle-class family unit. It does not challenge gender hierarchies or present non-traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black Thursday?

Excellent

North African immigrants are central subjects rather than background elements. The film highlights racialized power dynamics and the specific vulnerabilities of ethnic minorities during systemic crises.

How does Black Thursday represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western power structures and state-sanctioned violence. It portrays the security apparatus as an oppressive force rather than a protective one.

Does Black Thursday include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities as central narrative elements.

Present on Screen

Gives a significant role in driving the story to North African immigrant communities.
Provides a sophisticated critique of state-sanctioned violence and institutional authority.
Highlights racialized power dynamics within a Western urban landscape.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight-centered identities.
Follows a traditional patriarchal framework without challenging gender hierarchies.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

In Paris, in 1942, on a Thursday, the Parisian police herded together some 13,000 Jews for deportation to German territory. In this story, Paul (Christian Rist) is a teenager who tries to prevent this from happening. At first he attempts to save two elderly Jews, but they are resigned to their fate and comply with the order to assemble. For a short while, he is able to keep Jeanne (Christine Pascal) from joining them, but, after a long and strenuous day, she finally escapes from him he is too tired to chase after her.

How are these scores produced? →