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The American Side

Name: The American Side
Director: Jenna Ricker
Released: 2016
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2016

Not Rated

Director

Jenna Ricker

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The American Side functions as a traditional neo-noir that emphasizes thematic intrigue over overt social representation. It uses the historical mystery of Nikola Tesla to explore institutional skepticism and the suppression of knowledge. While the film does not feature significant multi-layered casting or LGBTQ+ visibility, it disrupts genre norms through its female directorial perspective. The narrative structure leans toward character-driven drama rather than progressive social critique. Ultimately, the film's diversity is found in its intellectual themes rather than its demographic breadth, offering a subtle challenge to Western institutional power.

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Category Breakdown

Does The American Side have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicitly LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The plot follows traditional mystery structures centered around a detective and Nikola Tesla.

How does The American Side portray gender?

Fair

Jenna Ricker’s direction offers a fresh take on the male-dominated noir genre. The presence of female actors like Camilla Belle suggests potential for nuanced female roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The American Side?

Fair

The cast primarily features actors from Western backgrounds. While Tesla has a complex heritage, the main cast does not represent a non-white majority.

How does The American Side represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques institutional authority by delving into suppressed scientific legacies. This focus on conspiracy and revolutionary invention challenges established historical and scientific narratives.

Does The American Side include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence of physical or neurodivergent disabilities being portrayed in this film.

Present on Screen

The female directorial perspective provides a new take on the male-dominated noir genre.
The narrative explores themes of systemic obstruction and the questioning of institutional authority.
The inclusion of prominent female cast members suggests a move away from the lone male detective cliché.

Limited or Absent

The cast lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity, featuring mainly Western backgrounds.
There is no visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight character arcs.
The film does not provide evidence of disability representation or neurodivergent perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Following a mysterious suicide at Niagara Falls, a low-rent detective unravels a conspiracy to build a revolutionary invention by enigmatic scientist, Nikola Tesla.

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