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What a Mess!

Name: What a Mess!
Director: Vladimir Menshov
Released: 1995
Duration: 143 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1995

Director

Vladimir Menshov

Runtime

143 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Vladimir Menshov’s comedy captures the fragmented social landscape of post-Soviet Russia. By setting a diamond heist amid a clash of different social groups, the film reflects a society in transition where traditional hierarchies have dissolved. The film effectively portrays a pluralistic, chaotic ecosystem. It shifts away from structured morality to explore a world where legal and criminal authorities are intertwined in an absurd web. However, the film lacks depth in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight relationships, and it centers heavily on male-driven conflicts.

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Category Breakdown

Does What a Mess! have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters or stories related to LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.

How does What a Mess! portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male-driven conflicts, such as those involving criminals and their brothers. Professional roles like doctors are mentioned, but the narrative emphasizes masculine-driven tension.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What a Mess!?

Good

The film includes characters from diverse backgrounds, such as Gypsies and Americans, suggesting a move towards a more inclusive and varied social landscape.

How does What a Mess! represent religion and culture?

Good

The story challenges traditional institutions by presenting the militia and Mafia in a chaotic, non-linear plot. It prioritizes situational chaos over conventional moral or patriotic messages.

Does What a Mess! include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Effective portrayal of a multicultural social tapestry through the inclusion of Gypsies and Americans.
Strong cultural commentary that challenges traditional institutional authority and social order.
A complex narrative structure reflecting the systemic instability of the bk90s.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-straight narratives.
Heavy reliance on male-driven plot engines, limiting female involvement and gender diversity.
Absence of characters representing various visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A Russian criminal steals a giant diamond from the Mafia, hides it, and suddenly runs into his unknown brothers; unexpected, absurd events with participation of the mob, doctors, musicians, Americans, militia, and gypsies ensue.

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