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Hey Bartender

Name: Hey Bartender
Director: Douglas Tirola
Released: 2013
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2013

Director

Douglas Tirola

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Hey Bartender serves as a sociological study of the American service industry and its connection to musical evolution. It uses bartenders as a lens to examine the intersection of labor, class, and cultural history. The film’s strength lies in its refusal to present American culture as a monolith. By tracing the lineage of jazz and blues, it provides meaningful visibility to the diverse ethnic roots of the nation’s sonic identity. However, the documentary lacks depth in exploring specific identity-driven narratives. It misses opportunities to delve into LGBTQ+ perspectives or use disability as a central element of the storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hey Bartender have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not focus on LGBTQ+ narratives or specific queer identities. Bars are shown as diverse social spaces, but the documentary does not center on non-straight relationships or experiences.

How does Hey Bartender portray gender?

Fair

The documentary features both male and female professionals, maintaining a balanced view. However, it does not actively challenge traditional gender roles or masculinity and femininity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hey Bartender?

Good

The film highlights the contributions of Black and Latino artists to the American musical tradition. It emphasizes how musical traditions from underrepresented communities shape the broader cultural landscape.

How does Hey Bartender represent religion and culture?

Good

The film examines the intersection of race and class in a nuanced way. It focuses on the labor required to sustain cultural institutions rather than a purely celebratory view of prosperity.

Does Hey Bartender include disability representation?

Limited

Disability is not a central theme in the film. While it mentions an injured Marine, it does not use disability as a tool for driving the narrative or giving characters ability to act.

Present on Screen

Recognizes the multi-ethnic origins of American culture through musical history.
Offers a nuanced look at the intersection of race, class, and labor.
Avoids presenting American culture as a monolith by highlighting diverse musical contributions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit focus on LGBTQ+ narratives or queer identities.
Does not utilize disability or neurodivergence as a central narrative driver.
Fails to actively challenge traditional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

Two bartenders try to achieve their dreams through bartending. An injured Marine turns his goals to becoming a principal bartender at the best cocktail bar in the world. A young man leaves his white collar job to buy the corner bar in his hometown, and years later he struggles to keep it afloat. Featuring the world's most renowned bartenders and access to the most exclusive bars in New York, this is the story of the comeback of the cocktail and the rebirth of the bartender.

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