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The Things of Love

The Things of Love

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

1989

Director

Jaime Chávarri

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by centering queer identity within a historically restrictive environment, using same-sex attraction as a key narrative element. While it effectively challenges moral and gender norms, its focus on a specific social class limits broader exploration of racial or ethnic diversity. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful character study that prioritizes personal desires over institutional morality, making it a significant historical drama.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Things of Love have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The story focuses on non-straight relationships, particularly Mario's pursuit of Juan, which places queer longing at the heart of the plot and challenges traditional expectations from the 1940s.

How does The Things of Love portray gender?

Good

The film challenges traditional gender roles by emphasizing emotional vulnerability over masculine dominance, though it remains constrained by the patriarchal context of the time.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Things of Love?

Fair

The film focuses on a relatively homogeneous social stratum reflective of 1940s Madrid. There is no explicit evidence of significant racial or ethnic diversity within the central character arcs.

How does The Things of Love represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques strict social structures by showing the conflict between individual passion and conservative moral codes, highlighting the tension between tradition and personal identity.

Does The Things of Love include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

  • Placing queer longing at the heart of the plot in a 1940s setting.
  • Challenging traditional masculine dominance through emotional vulnerability.
  • Critiquing strict social structures and conservative moral codes.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of racial and ethnic diversity among the main characters.
  • Limited scope for challenging traditional gender roles due to the historical setting.

Official Synopsis

In 1940's Madrid. Juan plays piano for Pepita and her on-stage partner Mario. Although Mario really wants to steal Juan for himself, Juan is not interested and Mario resorts to a string of lovers as consolation. When he loves (and leaves) a young nobleman, the young man wants revenge.

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