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The Good Shepherd

Name: The Good Shepherd
Director: Robert De Niro
Released: 2006
Duration: 167 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2006

Director

Robert De Niro

Runtime

167 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Good Shepherd is set in a historical context that emphasizes psychological realism and the intersection of individual identity and state power. Its narrative is rooted in the traditional structures of the mid-20th century, focusing on the closed social circles of the era's elite. As the film aims for historical authenticity, it presents a largely homogeneous and Anglo-Saxon social environment, resulting in a lack of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. While it explores complex themes of moral relativism, it does not provide significant representation of gender ability to act or diverse cultural perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Good Shepherd have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on heterosexual and cisgender relationships, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Good Shepherd portray gender?

Limited

The film portrays a patriarchal structure where female characters are often defined by their relationships to men and have limited control over their own lives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Good Shepherd?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the Anglo-Saxon social circles of the time, without utilizing diverse perspectives to challenge the era's power structures.

How does The Good Shepherd represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into moral relativism and the sacrifices made for national security, but it remains firmly within Western institutional frameworks.

Does The Good Shepherd include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any significant representations of visible or invisible disabilities or neurodivergence as central narrative drivers.

Present on Screen

Explores complex themes of moral relativism and the psychological impact of institutional service.
Offers a detailed and historically accurate portrayal of the rise of the American intelligence community.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more racial and ethnic diversity in its cast.
Female characters are often defined by their relationships to men and have limited ability to act.
The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Edward Wilson, the only witness to his father's suicide and member of the Skull and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a morally upright young man who values honor and discretion, qualities that help him to be recruited for a career in the newly founded OSS. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

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