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Big Wednesday

Name: Big Wednesday
Director: John Milius
Released: 1978
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

1978

Director

John Milius

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Big Wednesday explores traditional masculinity and the erosion of a subcultural identity during the 1960s. It highlights the tension between individual freedom and institutional responsibility. However, the film relies on a homogeneous cast and conventional social hierarchies. The narrative centers on a specific masculine archetype, prioritizing nostalgia over diverse social frameworks. Ultimately, it reinforces traditional values rather than exploring varied social structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Big Wednesday have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story does not include any non-cisgender gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Big Wednesday portray gender?

Limited

The film centers around male characters and their brotherhood. Women are mostly peripheral, serving as romantic interests or social companions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Big Wednesday?

Minimal

The setting features a homogeneous, middle-class white social circle. There is a lack of meaningful inclusion of non-Anglo-Saxon characters in the main social group.

How does Big Wednesday represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film provides a nuanced look at the establishment and the disruptive nature of the Vietnam War era. It serves as a nostalgic tribute to American coastal life.

Does Big Wednesday include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it address neurodivergence or physical impairments.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced critique of the establishment and the social disruptions caused by the Vietnam War era.
Offers a detailed portrayal of a specific subcultural identity and the pursuit of hedonism amid societal shifts.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a largely homogeneous, middle-class white social circle.
Features heavy male-centricity, relegating women to the periphery as romantic foils rather than central characters.
Contains no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Three 1960s California surfers fool around, drift apart and reunite years later to ride epic waves.

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