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The Man We Want to Hang

Name: The Man We Want to Hang
Director: Kenneth Anger
Released: 2002
Duration: 12 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2002

Director

Kenneth Anger

Runtime

12 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kenneth Anger’s work serves as a modern critique of historical cinematic conventions. Using archival fragments and the art of Aleister Crowley, the film rejects traditional storytelling in favor of a disjointed, ritualistic experience. The film stands out with its queer aesthetic and its defiance of conventional religious and moral norms. It promotes a nuanced moral relativism that challenges traditional Western values through the lens of the occult. However, the reliance on silent-era footage limits its appeal to diverse audiences. The historical uniformity of the source material leads to a lack of racial diversity and limited character's ability to drive the story.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Man We Want to Hang have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film uses visual elements that challenge typical heterosexual expectations. By highlighting romantic undertones and unconventional aesthetics, it focuses on a perspective of desire that goes beyond conventional standards.

How does The Man We Want to Hang portray gender?

Good

Gender dynamics are explored through the interaction of male and female figures. However, the montage format restricts the characters' ability to act independently, presenting them more as symbolic representations rather than active individuals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Man We Want to Hang?

Limited

The film draws from silent-era cinema, which reflects a historically uniform visual style. There is no indication of intentional mixing of races or challenging the predominance of white actors.

How does The Man We Want to Hang represent religion and culture?

Good

By focusing on Aleister Crowley’s occult practices, the film questions established religious norms. It emphasizes ritualistic experiences and mystical themes over traditional Western values.

Does The Man We Want to Hang include disability representation?

Minimal

The non-linear, montage-based structure does not offer enough context to assess the portrayal of physical or cognitive differences.

Present on Screen

Distinct queer aesthetic that incorporates romantic undertones and unconventional visuals.
Effective questioning of traditional religious and moral norms through occult themes.
Innovative deconstruction of traditional cinematic techniques through experimental montage.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity due to the historical uniformity of archival footage.
Restricted character's ability to drive the story and social representation due to the non-narrative montage format.
No representation of neurodivergent or physical disabilities within the current structure.

Official Synopsis

"The Man We Want to Hang" is a 12-minute short, consisting of Anger filming borrowed paintings done by legendary and controversial occultist Aleister Crowley.

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