You are here:

American Star

American Star

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2024

R

Director

Gonzalo López-Gallego

Runtime

107 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

American Star presents a nuanced character study that challenges the hyper-masculine expectations of the assassin genre. By emphasizing emotional growth over high-stakes action, the film avoids typical genre clichés. The Mediterranean setting serves as a natural backdrop for cultural blending and a diverse cast. This geographic choice helps the film move away from traditional, narrow perspectives in cinema. While the film does not explicitly address identity politics or specific underrepresented groups, its strength lies in its focus on humanistic character development and its departure from rigid systemic protocols.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does American Star have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the protagonist's internal struggles and his interactions with local residents. There is no clear depiction of LGBTQ+ identities or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does American Star portray gender?

Fair

The story challenges the typical assassin cliché by highlighting the male protagonist's vulnerability. While a female character, Gloria, plays a significant role, the main driver of the plot remains the male protagonist's journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Star?

Fair

Set in Fuerteventura, the film showcases a Mediterranean environment that supports a mix of ethnicities. The cast and storyline suggest a blend of cultures beyond a focus on Anglo-Saxon backgrounds.

How does American Star represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative questions strict professional norms by emphasizing personal connections over formal procedures. It explores moral relativism and existential questioning through the characters' experiences.

Does American Star include disability representation?

Minimal

The available plot details and character descriptions do not mention any characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges the hyper-masculine thriller clichés by focusing on emotional vulnerability.
  • Uses a diverse Mediterranean setting to create a multi-ethnic atmosphere.
  • Prioritizes psychological depth and human connection over formulaic action.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not depict LGBTQ+ identities or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.
  • Does not include characters navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
  • women's ability to drive the story appears secondary to the male protagonist's emotional journey.

Official Synopsis

An assassin on a final assignment in Fuerteventura, to kill a man he has never met. When his target is delayed, he finds himself drawn to the island, people and a ghostly shipwreck. Instead of following protocol he stays. But when the target returns, the world has shifted. Before everything was simple, now nothing is.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.