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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Name: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Director: Tony Scott
Released: 2009
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

2009

Director

Tony Scott

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film successfully mirrors the multicultural makeup of a major city's transit system. By casting Denzel Washington in a role defined by expertise and moral authority, the movie avoids homogeneity and reflects a realistic urban demographic. However, the film is socially conservative. It relies on traditional gender roles where women are passive, and it does not address LGBTQ+ identities. The narrative is driven by men's control over the story and the restoration of institutional control. Overall, it is a typical thriller that uses diversity to enhance its setting's realism but does not challenge social or intersecting power structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to a traditional framework that assumes everyone is straight. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories involving queer themes.

How does The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 portray gender?

Limited

The story follows a conventional masculine framework. Women play supporting roles, while high-stakes decision-making is handled by male characters.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3?

Good

The film showcases New York's diverse population. Denzel Washington's lead role highlights a Black protagonist with professional expertise and moral authority.

How does The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative centers on restoring order during a crisis. It emphasizes thriller morality rather than critiquing Western institutions.

Does The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There are no central roles for characters with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Reflects the diverse population of New York City through realistic casting.
Highlights a Black protagonist with professional competence and moral authority.

Limited or Absent

Women are given limited roles and are mostly passive.
No LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight narratives.
Does not engage with multi-layered identity politics or systemic critiques.

Official Synopsis

Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher Walter Garber into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime.

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