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Beirut Phantom

Name: Beirut Phantom
Director: Ghassan Salhab
Released: 1998
Duration: 117 min

Representation Score

7.9/10

Good

1998

Director

Ghassan Salhab

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ghassan Salhab’s work presents a sophisticated, non-Western alternative to typical dramatic narratives. By centering a specific Middle Eastern context, the film explores identity without falling into simple heroism. However, the narrative heavily focuses on a single male protagonist, leaving gender dynamics and queer identities undefined. The absence of explicit representation in these areas restricts the film's scope. Overall, the film's strength lies in its cultural specificity and its refusal to offer a straightforward moral view of conflict, emphasizing instead the psychological fragmentation of individuals.

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Category Breakdown

Does Beirut Phantom have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses on the protagonist's journey back to a divided city.

How does Beirut Phantom portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around Khalil, a male protagonist dealing with survival and deception. Female characters are present but not detailed, and the film avoids traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Beirut Phantom?

Good

By focusing on a Middle Eastern perspective, the film challenges the typical Western viewpoint. It highlights the unique experiences of people living in the Levant.

How does Beirut Phantom represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a critical look at the failing political and social structures in Beirut. It emphasizes situational ethics and personal survival over strict traditional morals.

Does Beirut Phantom include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly mention physical or neurodivergent disabilities. However, the theme of 'phantoms' suggests a possible exploration of psychological trauma due to war.

Present on Screen

Provides a crucial non-Western perspective on conflict through a Middle Eastern lens.
Challenges conventional, Western-centric cinematic narratives and clichés.
Explores identity and the breakdown of societal institutions in a nuanced manner.

Limited or Absent

Does not include explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Narrative focus remains heavily centered on a single male protagonist.
Insufficient information about the roles and influence of female characters.

Official Synopsis

Late in the 1980s it seems like the Lebanese conflict will never end. Khalil returns to Beirut after many years. Ten years earlier, during a battle, he took advantage of the confusion and pretended he was dead.

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