You are here:

Rat Film

Rat Film

Representation Score

8.9/10

Excellent

2016

NR

Director

Theo Anthony

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Theo Anthony’s documentary employs rats as symbolic tools to critique systemic failures and urban decay. By focusing on a non-human subject, the film challenges conventional human-centric storytelling to explore societal divisions. The film effectively uses rats as a metaphor to highlight racial and socioeconomic disparities in Baltimore. It also challenges traditional views of urban management by redefining the relationship between humans and their environment. While the film provides insightful critiques of systemic issues, it lacks explicit representation of specific identities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals or people with disabilities. The focus remains on broader ecological and social themes.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Rat Film have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

Though the film does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ identities, its exploration of underrepresented communities and unconventional lifestyles hints at a broader acceptance of diverse life choices.

How does Rat Film portray gender?

Good

The documentary shifts the focus away from traditional male-dominated leadership, emphasizing sociological observation over hierarchical structures. This approach avoids reinforcing patriarchal norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rat Film?

Excellent

The film uses rats as a metaphor for racial and socioeconomic segregation in Baltimore, delving into the systemic inequities and urban divisions of post-industrial American cities.

How does Rat Film represent religion and culture?

Excellent

It critiques Western urban management and institutional control, presenting rats as part of a shared ecosystem rather than pests. This perspective promotes an anti-capitalist viewpoint.

Does Rat Film include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not specifically feature characters with disabilities. However, its focus on underrepresented communities implies an interest in those sidelined by rigid urban structures.

Present on Screen

  • Uses rats as a powerful metaphor for racial and socioeconomic segregation.
  • Critiques Western urban management and institutional control through a progressive lens.
  • Disrupts traditional human-centric narratives by focusing on non-human biological ability to act.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or specific gender dynamics.
  • Provides insufficient evidence regarding the lived experiences of characters with disabilities.
  • Focuses more on systemic metaphors than on specific, diverse human character studies.

Official Synopsis

Across walls, fences, and alleys, rats not only expose our boundaries of separation but make homes in them. "Rat Film" is a feature-length documentary that uses the rat—as well as the humans that love them, live with them, and kill them—to explore the history of Baltimore.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.