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The Real Thing

Name: The Real Thing
Director: Benoît Felici
Released: 2018
Duration: 55 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2018

Director

Benoît Felici

Runtime

55 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by shifting the focus away from a purely Eurocentric view of architecture. By examining replicas in non-Western settings, it fosters a nuanced discussion about the movement of cultural symbols across borders. However, the documentary lacks depth in terms of identity-based character arcs. Since the subject matter is primarily inanimate structures, it offers limited insights into gendered or LGBTQ+ representation. Overall, the film's strength lies in its critique of Western architectural dominance and the blurring of cultural boundaries through global imitation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Real Thing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary does not include any specific LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Its focus is solely on architectural imitation rather than diverse identities.

How does The Real Thing portray gender?

Fair

The film does not provide enough information about gendered power dynamics or the subversion of traditional hierarchies. The emphasis on buildings prevents a clear look at gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Real Thing?

Excellent

The film achieves high diversity by focusing on Shanghai and the Ivory Coast. This broad geographic scope challenges Eurocentric views through a global lens.

How does The Real Thing represent religion and culture?

Good

The work explores themes of post-colonial mimicry and the globalization of aesthetics. It critiques cultural imperialism by looking at how Western icons are adapted in the Global South.

Does The Real Thing include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of disability, neurodivergence, or sensory conditions in this architectural study.

Present on Screen

The globalized perspective challenges traditional Western-centric views of architectural importance.
The broad geographic scope provides a complex dialogue about the recontextualization of Western symbols.
The narrative effectively critiques cultural imperialism and the fluidity of Western influence.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks explicit evidence of identity-based character arcs or personal stories.
There is no visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or diverse perspectives.
The focus on inanimate structures limits the exploration of gender roles and social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

A smaller scale Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées can be found just outside Shanghai; a copy of St. Peter’s in Rome can be found in Yamoussoukro, in the Ivory Coast: a journey over three continents to see the architecture of imitation, the uncanny world of the fake.

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