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Dead Reckoning

Name: Dead Reckoning
Director: John Cromwell
Released: 1946
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

1946

Director

John Cromwell

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dead Reckoning is a typical mid-century noir that emphasizes genre conventions over diverse representation. The narrative structure depends on established social hierarchies and the investigative duties of war heroes to propel the mystery. The film reflects its historical context, presenting conventional portrayals of authority and gender conflict. It adheres to the social norms of the time without challenging them. Overall, the film lacks demographic diversity, focusing instead on classic noir themes such as deception and criminal activity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dead Reckoning have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on heterosexual relationships and traditional gender roles, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of heterosexism.

How does Dead Reckoning portray gender?

Limited

It employs the femme fatale cliché, where the female lead's actions are framed through moral ambiguity, reinforcing traditional gender power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dead Reckoning?

Minimal

The cast and setting are predominantly white, reflecting the production standards of the 1940s. There is no effort to include diverse ethnic perspectives.

How does Dead Reckoning represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows a traditional Western legal and patriotic framework, focusing on individual morality without critiquing broader societal issues.

Does Dead Reckoning include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurological disabilities among the main characters or plot development.

Present on Screen

The film features strong female characters through the influential femme fatale archetype.
It effectively uses classic noir clichés like investigative duty and criminal deception.

Limited or Absent

The cast and setting lack racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a homogeneous era-specific production.
The film relies on traditional gender power dynamics rather than subverting established norms.
There is no representation of physical or neurological disabilities.

Official Synopsis

War heroes Rip Murdock and Johnny Drake are sent to Washington, D.C, to receive top honors for their service. Johnny, seemingly terrified by the publicity that awaits him, jumps off the train and later turns up dead. Suspecting foul play, Rip begins digging into his pal's past. He encounters cover-ups, threats to his own life and deadly femme fatale Coral Chandler.

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