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What Is to Be Done?

What Is to Be Done?

Representation Score

7.1/10

Good

1972

R

Director

Saul Landau, Raúl Ruiz, Nina Serrano

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

What Is to Be Done? is a sophisticated political drama that challenges conventional Western-centric narratives. By blending fiction with documentary, the film centers the active roles of the Chilean people during a pivotal historical moment. The creative team's background in Third Cinema suggests a deliberate effort to challenge traditional power structures. The film moves away from commercial formulas to prioritize socio-political critique and systemic analysis. While the film excels in cultural and racial representation, it lacks specific details regarding disability or explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs. However, its radical framework provides a foundation for diverse social dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Is to Be Done? have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film draws from radical, experimental cinema, suggesting a move away from traditional storytelling focused on straight relationships. While specific character arcs are not detailed, the era's avant-garde movements often embraced non-traditional social dynamics.

How does What Is to Be Done? portray gender?

Good

Directed by Nina Serrano, the film challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting the human fallibility of individuals. It likely portrays women as active participants within the Chilean revolutionary landscape rather than passive observers.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Is to Be Done??

Excellent

The narrative centers a non-Anglo-Saxon political reality by focusing on the Chilean struggle. This shift validates the lived experiences and active roles of Latin American populations against Western dominance.

How does What Is to Be Done? represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional Western institutions through an anti-imperialist framework. It deconstructs established global hierarchies by exploring power dynamics during the rise of Salvador Allende.

Does What Is to Be Done? include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence regarding the portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent conditions in the available material.

Present on Screen

  • Strong centering of Latin American political ability to act and non-Western perspectives.
  • Challenges traditional gender roles through female-led direction and nuanced characterization.
  • Effective use of a hybrid documentary-fiction style to critique global hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

  • Lack of explicit evidence regarding the representation of characters with disabilities.
  • Limited detail concerning specific LGBTQ+ character arcs or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

Official Synopsis

Mordant, self-aware, freighted with sensitivity toward Chile’s problem, wary of caricature, disposed toward consciousness of human fallibility, it is a deft blend of fiction and documentary set in the tumultuous days leading up to the election of Salvador Allende in 1970.

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