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The Cigarette

Name: The Cigarette
Director: Germaine Dulac
Released: 1919
Duration: 51 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1919

TV-PG

Director

Germaine Dulac

Runtime

51 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Germaine Dulac’s *La Cigarette* functions primarily as a psychological study of jealousy rather than a vehicle for demographic representation. The film's value lies in its challenge to traditional domesticity and the deconstruction of stable masculinity through a protagonist driven by paranoia. While the narrative lacks diverse casting or ethnic representation, it offers a sophisticated look at individual psychological truth. The focus on a man's descent into self-destructive behavior challenges the era's standard depictions of virtuous, authoritative men.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cigarette have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a heterosexual marriage conflict between a husband and wife. There is no evidence of queer narratives or diverse gender identities.

How does The Cigarette portray gender?

Fair

The plot centers on a domestic power struggle. While the male lead drives the action, his paranoia undermines the traditional image of the stable patriarch.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cigarette?

Minimal

Set in a Parisian museum, the narrative appears to focus on a homogeneous European social group. No racial or ethnic diversity is present.

How does The Cigarette represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores moral relativism and subjective psychological reality. It prioritizes internal turmoil over communal or institutional religious morality.

Does The Cigarette include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional domesticity by portraying a male protagonist whose authority is undermined by paranoia.
Explores complex psychological themes of fatalism and moral relativism through an Impressionist lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation, focusing instead on a homogeneous European social group.
The narrative remains rooted in traditional gendered conflict despite its psychological depth.

Official Synopsis

A Parisian museum director believes his wife is cheating on him and so places a poisoned cigarette in the box on his desk, thus allowing chance to decide the moment of his death.

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