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The Troubles of Alfred

Name: The Troubles of Alfred
Director: Pierre Richard
Released: 1972
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1972

Director

Pierre Richard

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a traditional character-driven comedy centered on the 'lovable loser' archetype. While it features a protagonist who is a social outsider, the narrative structure remains firmly within conventional mid-century comedic boundaries. Representation is largely limited to straight-centered romance and traditional European demographics. The film prioritizes situational absurdity and individual eccentricity over any meaningful systemic critique. Ultimately, the work functions as a standard comedy of errors. It uses themes of vulnerability and corruption as tools for slapstick humor rather than as vehicles for exploring complex social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Troubles of Alfred have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story revolves around heterosexual romance between Alfred and a young woman. There are no queer narratives or non-straight representations in the plot.

How does The Troubles of Alfred portray gender?

Fair

A female character offers refuge and care to the protagonist, showing some influence. However, the main storyline focuses on the male protagonist's personal struggles and misfortunes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Troubles of Alfred?

Limited

Set in Paris, the film follows traditional European casting norms. The narrative aligns with the homogeneous demographic standards typical of 1970s French commercial cinema.

How does The Troubles of Alfred represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques media manipulation through a corrupt television boss. It emphasizes individual bad luck and underdog clichés rather than a systemic critique of Western institutions.

Does The Troubles of Alfred include disability representation?

Limited

Themes of mental health and physical vulnerability emerge from the protagonist's suicide attempt. These elements serve as comedic plot devices rather than nuanced studies of lived experience.

Present on Screen

The narrative introduces a critique of institutional corruption through the character of a dishonest television boss.
The female lead demonstrates influence by intervening in the protagonist's crisis and providing him with essential support.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks complexity, adhering to the homogeneous demographic norms of its era.
Mental health and vulnerability are used as comedic devices rather than nuanced explorations of disability.
The story follows conventional straight-centered structures with no visible queer representation.

Official Synopsis

Unlucky in love, Alfred tries to commit suicide, only to be thwarted by police efforts to prevent a simultaneous attempt by a nearby young woman. Recovering, the young lady puts him up at her house, as he has run out of places to live. He joins a Parisian sporting team and seems to have transferred his bad luck to a corrupt television boss who is attempting to manipulate the game so that Alfred's Paris team loses.

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