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How William Shatner Changed the World

Name: How William Shatner Changed the World
Director: Julian Jones
Released: 2005
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2005

Director

Julian Jones

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary functions as a traditional biographical and technological retrospective. It prioritizes the historical influence of a specific cultural icon on global consumer technology over social critique. The film's perspective is rooted in a celebration of Western ingenuity and mid-century American science fiction. It lacks the intentionality needed to disrupt conventional social hierarchies or provide deep characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. Ultimately, the production focuses on the material legacy of Star Trek, such as medical imaging and software, rather than the diverse human experiences behind these advancements.

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Category Breakdown

Does How William Shatner Changed the World have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The documentary focuses on the material impact of science fiction rather than social narratives. It does not include explicit LGBTQ+ character arcs or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does How William Shatner Changed the World portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on William Shatner and technological progress. This approach reflects a traditional, male-centric lens common in histories of space exploration and science.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How William Shatner Changed the World?

Fair

The film examines the global influence of Star Trek through the personal legacy of a singular white actor. It lacks a non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.

How does How William Shatner Changed the World represent religion and culture?

Fair

The tone celebrates Western technological achievement and optimistic futurism. It frames technological evolution as a positive, linear progression without critiquing Western institutions.

Does How William Shatner Changed the World include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of individuals with visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not address neurodivergence or physical accessibility in its technological discussions.

Present on Screen

Provides a light-hearted look at how science fiction inspires real-world technological advancements.
Explores the broad, universal impact of Star Trek on modern consumer hardware and software.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentionality in disrupting conventional social hierarchies or providing characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.
Focuses on a singular white actor's legacy rather than a diverse range of cultural contributors.
Maintains a traditional, male-centric lens regarding the history of space exploration and technology.

Official Synopsis

William Shatner presents a light-hearted look at how the "Star Trek" TV series have influenced and inspired today's technologies, including: cell phones, medical imaging, computers and software, SETI, MP3 players and iPods, virtual reality, and spaceship propulsion.

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