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Dark August

Name: Dark August
Director: Martin G. Goldman
Released: 1976
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1976

Director

Martin G. Goldman

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dark August operates within the traditional framework of 1970s supernatural horror. It emphasizes local folklore and individualistic vengeance over any meaningful sociological critique or layered representation of identity. The film leans on established clichés of mysticism and patriarchal control. While it questions the effectiveness of legal systems through a grandfather's curse, this remains a personal moral stance rather than a deconstruction of systemic issues. Overall, the work adheres to the conventional boundaries of its era. It does not offer the intentional subversion of social hierarchies needed for a more diverse or progressive narrative.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dark August have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film lacks any evidence of non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities. The central conflict revolves around a traditional familial unit, suggesting a conventional social structure.

How does Dark August portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on a powerful male figure who drives the plot forward. Women play supporting roles, often appearing as victims or advisors rather than active participants.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dark August?

Minimal

The setting follows the typical demographics of mid-70s genre films, with no apparent diversity or non-Anglo-Saxon representation.

How does Dark August represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative delves into personal retribution and mysticism through a curse. It focuses on individual spirituality without critiquing broader societal or secular institutions.

Does Dark August include disability representation?

Limited

Physical injuries serve as a plot device to initiate supernatural conflicts. These injuries act as narrative triggers rather than being explored in depth as part of the characters' experiences.

Present on Screen

Explores themes of subjective morality and supernatural justice.
Questions the effectiveness of formal legal structures through personal retribution.

Limited or Absent

Lacks layered representation of identity or subversion of social hierarchies.
Depicts women in reactive roles within a patriarchal framework.
Uses physical injuries primarily as plot devices rather than developing characters.

Official Synopsis

A young girl is accidentally run down by a car driven by a careless city slicker. This careless injustice provokes the girl's grandfather into summoning his mystical powers and placing a death curse on the young man. Desperate to stave off the dire consequences of the hex, Barry seeks the counsel of a local psychic medium.

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