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Lisbon

Name: Lisbon
Director: Ray Milland
Released: 1956
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

0.8/10

Minimal

1956

Director

Ray Milland

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lisbon is a mid-century crime thriller that adheres closely to the genre conventions of its era. The narrative is built around a high-stakes espionage mission, centering on male-driven conflict and traditional Cold War clichés. The film relies on established archetypes, such as the sultry female character, which often serves the protagonist's journey rather than providing independent ability to act. This reflects a period where gender roles were strictly defined within noir-inflected storytelling. Geopolitically, the film maintains a Western-centric view of communist-controlled territories. It prioritizes the tension between democratic and communist systems, offering little room for diverse racial or cultural perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Lisbon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters with non-straight sexual orientations or gender identities. The central plot revolves around a traditional marriage and the involvement of the prisoner's wife.

How does Lisbon portray gender?

Limited

Captain Evans drives the story through his smuggling mission. Sylvia, while a key figure, is described as 'sultry,' which fits the traditional femme fatale archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lisbon?

Limited

The story uses Cold War geopolitical tensions as a backdrop. The narrative seems to favor a Western-centric perspective on international conflict and espionage.

How does Lisbon represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film operates within a Cold War framework, prioritizing Western interests. It focuses on institutional boundaries and geopolitical morality typical of the fsp 1950s.

Does Lisbon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters navigating physical, sensory, or neurodivergent experiences within the story.

Present on Screen

The film provides a clear, high-stakes espionage plot centered on a complex smuggling mission.
The inclusion of a 'sultry' female character adds classic noir-style tension to the narrative.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies heavily on traditional gender archetypes like the femme fatale.
The story lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered perspectives.
The geopolitical focus remains strictly Western-centric, limiting racial and cultural depth.

Official Synopsis

For Capt. Robert John Evans, smuggling black-market goods is nothing out of the ordinary. But one day he's hired by Aristides Mavros for a more involved assignment -- sneaking an imprisoned American out of communist-controlled territory. The job seems challenging enough, but when he meets the prisoner's sultry wife, Sylvia, he realizes his mission comes with a startling catch: Not only must he rescue this man, he must bring him back from the dead.

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