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Cocktail

Name: Cocktail
Director: Roger Donaldson
Released: 1988
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1988

Director

Roger Donaldson

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cocktail is a period piece that examines individual ambition and the aesthetics of 1980s consumer culture. The film centers on a narrow social framework reflecting the demographic hierarchies of its time, emphasizing wealth and status. While it touches on moral relativism and the ethics of pursuing success, it lacks structural diversity and engagement with multi-layered identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cocktail have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional heterosexual relationships and does not include any characters with diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.

How does Cocktail portray gender?

Limited

The story follows traditional gender roles where the male character drives the plot, while the female lead has a supporting role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cocktail?

Limited

The film depicts a predominantly white social scene in New York City, lacking diverse racial representation.

How does Cocktail represent religion and culture?

Fair

The movie highlights the pursuit of wealth and status within a capitalist system, exploring the moral complexities of achieving success through questionable means.

Does Cocktail include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with disabilities or utilize disability as a theme or plot device.

Present on Screen

The film provides a nuanced exploration of moral relativism and the ethical ambiguity of pursuing personal gain.
It offers a focused look at the intersection of personal ambition and performative identity.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a homogeneous social environment.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or non-traditional gender narratives.
The story reinforces traditional gender roles without challenging or elevating female intellect.

Official Synopsis

After being discharged from the Army, Brian Flanagan moves back to Queens and takes a job in a bar run by Doug Coughlin, who teaches Brian the fine art of bar-tending. Brian quickly becomes a patron favorite with his flashy drink-mixing style, and Brian adopts his mentor's cynical philosophy on life and goes for the money.

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