New Showbiz

You are here:
The Rake's Progress

The Rake's Progress

1945

Director

Sidney Gilliat

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Vivian Kenway, a young Englishman from an aristocratic background, flunks out of Oxford, and decides to use his considerable charm to achieve his goal of, apparently, making dissipation his career. His derelictions include seduction, betrayals of sweethearts, family and friends, and Marriage for money. All this with no signs of remorse or redemption, since his life as a completely unprincipled rake is quite enjoyable...for him, at least. Then, World War II breaks out and he is given a chance to die a heroic death for flag and country. Maybe.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

1.8/10

Minimal


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional romantic conquests within an 18th-century framework. There is no evidence of non-cisnormative identities or narratives that challenge heteronormativity.

Gender Representation

Limited

Women primarily serve as instruments for the protagonist's social and financial maneuvering. They often function as targets of betrayal, reinforcing a dynamic where male agency drives the plot.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Minimal

The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of 18th-century London. The narrative remains centered on a white, aristocratic English social structure without significant non-Anglo-Saxon characters.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Fair

The story explores moral decay and aristocratic instability through a lens of individual failing. It reinforces traditional patriotic values rather than offering a systemic critique of Western institutions.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no discernible representation of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters with disabilities are not identified as having agency or central roles in the story.

Strengths

  • Provides a sharp social observation of aristocratic moral decay and the instability of inherited wealth.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks representation of non-cisnormative identities or diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Female characters lack significant agency, often serving merely as tools for the male protagonist's advancement.
  • Fails to include characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

AI Analysis

The Rake's Progress is a traditional period drama centered on a singular, unprincipled male protagonist. This narrow focus limits the agency of marginalized groups and keeps the narrative within established mid-20th-century cinematic frameworks. While the film critiques the decadence of the aristocracy, it does so through a lens of individual moral consequence. It functions as a study of hedonism rather than a deconstruction of systemic power dynamics or social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film adheres to the social and moral structures of its era, offering little room for intersectional perspectives or diverse representation.

How are these scores produced? →

Similar Movies

Movie poster for The Benefactor

The Benefactor

1942

No user ratings available yet
Diversity score: 2.6 out of 10

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.