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Table for Five

Name: Table for Five
Director: Rob Lieberman
Released: 1983
Duration: 121 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Minimal

1983

Director

Rob Lieberman

Runtime

121 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Table for Five follows the typical storylines of early 1980s family dramas. The film emphasizes traditional family conflicts and reconciliation rather than challenging societal norms. The story structure supports conventional family hierarchies. Although the main character's journey of self-doubt offers a slight break from the usual strong patriarch figure, the film aims to reinforce traditional parenting roles. Overall, the film lacks diverse storytelling. It focuses on a narrow Western perspective, offering limited representation for various racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Table for Five have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on a traditional family structure where everyone is assumed to be straight. There are no characters with non-traditional gender identities or discussions about LGBTQ+ issues.

How does Table for Five portray gender?

Fair

The story looks at fatherhood and changing roles after a divorce. The main male character shows emotional vulnerability, while female characters mainly support the household.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Table for Five?

Limited

The film centers on a typical Western family. There are no characters from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.

How does Table for Five represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot follows traditional Western values about the importance of the nuclear family. It emphasizes personal responsibility and returning to normal social roles.

Does Table for Five include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters dealing with physical, neurological, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

The main character's emotional struggles provide a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by single parents and the complexity of family reconciliation.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing almost entirely on a Western, Anglo-Saxon family.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities, as the story adheres strictly to heterosexual relationships.
The narrative reinforces traditional gender roles without exploring more diverse or subversive identity perspectives.

Official Synopsis

J.P. Tannen (Jon Voight) wants a second chance to be a father to his children ... but someone else has taken his place. Determined not to just be a friendly 'uncle' in their lives, he gets permission from his ex-wife Kathleen (Millie Perkins) and her new husband (Richard Crenna) to take the kids on a Mediterranean cruise. On the journey he comes to realise it's not that easy and, feeling overwhelmed, begins to doubt his abilities until a tragedy back home forces him to become the father he always hoped to be.

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