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They Only Kill Their Masters

Name: They Only Kill Their Masters
Director: James Goldstone
Released: 1972
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

1972

Director

James Goldstone

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

They Only Kill Their Masters is a sophisticated social critique set in 1930s Mississippi. It dismantles the perceived legitimacy of American institutions by focusing on racial ability to act and systemic corruption. However, the film's narrow thematic scope limits its representation of LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities. Despite this, the work successfully critiques power structures of the past, even while staying within traditional social frameworks regarding gender and identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does They Only Kill Their Masters have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. The narrative focuses primarily on racial and legal hierarchies.

How does They Only Kill Their Masters portray gender?

Fair

Gender dynamics play a secondary role compared to the main racial conflict. The film adheres to the gender norms of the 1930s without challenging traditional hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is They Only Kill Their Masters?

Excellent

The film gives a significant role in driving the story to a Black protagonist navigating a predominantly white social structure. It avoids stereotypes, instead emphasizing the complexities of Jim Crow-era power dynamics.

How does They Only Kill Their Masters represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques the American legal system as an instrument of systemic oppression. It breaks down the concept of law to depict the social order as a force to be challenged.

Does They Only Kill Their Masters include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities affecting the plot or character arcs.

Present on Screen

Gives a significant role in driving the story to a Black protagonist in a historical context of systemic oppression.
Provides a sophisticated critique of racial hierarchies and the corruption of the Jim Crow-era legal system.
Avoids simplistic stereotypes by focusing on the complexities of navigating white-dominated social structures.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not feature characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Gender dynamics remain secondary and do not challenge traditional 1930s social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

An enigmatic young woman has been murdered in a small California coast town. The investigation by the local sheriff uncovers a complex web of relationships centering on the victim; the scattered trail of evidence ranges from a mysterious photograph to the victim's own dog. During the investigation, the sheriff meets and becomes romantically involved with a woman whose connection to the murder is ambiguous.

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