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Clean

Name: Clean
Director: Olivier Assayas
Released: 2004
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2004

Director

Olivier Assayas

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Clean is a postmodern study of urban fragmentation and individualistic detachment. It prioritizes the psychological toll of modern existence over structured moral resolutions or diverse demographic representation. The film succeeds in disrupting conventional narrative expectations by exploring the fragility of masculine identity and the emptiness of late-stage capitalist urban life. It avoids standard societal hierarchies through its focus on moral relativism. However, the film lacks intentional engagement with multi-layered identities, LGBTQ+ narratives, or disability. The narrative remains centered on a singular, isolated psychological experience within a specific Parisian setting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Clean have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ narratives or characters with non-traditional gender identities. It focuses on the protagonist's sense of isolation rather than challenging assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Clean portray gender?

Fair

The film explores the emotional unavailability and professional stagnation of the male protagonist, Richard, by deconstructing traditional masculine identity. However, it does not extensively explore broader gender power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Clean?

Limited

Set in a cosmopolitan Parisian context, the film does not emphasize multi-layered casting. The focus remains on the internal psychological states of characters rather than showcasing a diverse range of racial backgrounds.

How does Clean represent religion and culture?

Good

Assayas critiques the emptiness of contemporary urban life through moral relativism. The film prioritizes existential subjectivity over traditional Western institutional structures.

Does Clean include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not significantly address visible or invisible disabilities. Disillusionment is portrayed as a philosophical condition rather than a depiction of neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

Deconstructs traditional masculine identity by portraying a protagonist characterized by emotional unavailability and professional stagnation.
Provides a sophisticated critique of modern urban alienation and the emptiness of contemporary lifestyles.
Avoids reinforcing standard societal hierarchies by utilizing a framework of moral relativism and existential subjectivity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks active engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives or challenges to traditional assumptions about relationships.
Does not prioritize multi-layered casting or the blending of diverse racial identities within its cosmopolitan setting.
Provides no significant or intentional representation of neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After she ends up in prison and loses custody of her son, a woman struggles to assimilate outside her former life and remain clean long enough to regain custody of her son.

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