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Death of a President

Name: Death of a President
Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz
Released: 1977
Duration: 144 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1977

Director

Jerzy Kawalerowicz

Runtime

144 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Death of a President is a thoughtful exploration of political instability and systemic violence. It avoids individual heroism to focus on the chaotic workings of power during Poland's transition from imperial rule. Although the film lacks contemporary demographic diversity, it offers a nuanced critique of institutional stability. Its narrative is deeply tied to its specific historical and national context, limiting its broad social representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Death of a President have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on political maneuvering and assassination but does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives about non-straight identities.

How does Death of a President portray gender?

Limited

Male figures dominate the political sphere in this historical setting. The narrative emphasizes traditional hierarchies by focusing on the masculine nature of politics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Death of a President?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting the demographics of early 20th-century Poland. It addresses imperial rule through a nationalist viewpoint rather than a multi-ethnic one.

How does Death of a President represent religion and culture?

Good

The film effectively challenges the 'great leader' myth and traditional authority. It delves into moral relativism and the mechanisms of power during a time of institutional breakdown.

Does Death of a President include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film. Such characters are not integrated into the narrative or used as plot devices.

Present on Screen

Challenges the myth of the heroic leader and traditional authority
Analyzes the complex functioning of political institutions and systemic power

Limited or Absent

Lacks demographic diversity, focusing primarily on a masculine political sphere
Reflects a narrow nationalist perspective rather than a multi-ethnic one

Official Synopsis

After Poland won freedom from of its long overlordship by Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, it took a further four years for its National Assembly to elect Gabriel Narutowicz as its first president. Narutowicz was a professor who until his election had been living in Switzerland. Those were chaotic times, and shortly after his election, he was assassinated by right-wing fanatics. This epic Polish film chronicles the circumstances of Narutowicz's election and assassination.

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