You are here:

That Fatal Sneeze

Name: That Fatal Sneeze
Director: Lewin Fitzhamon
Released: 1907
Duration: 6 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1907

Director

Lewin Fitzhamon

Runtime

6 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Lewin Fitzhamon’s 1907 comedy is a product of its time, focusing on visual gags and kinetic storytelling. The plot hinges on a simple cause-and-effect structure involving a pepper-induced sneezing fit that disrupts a town. The film does not explore modern multi-layered themes, prioritizing universal physical comedy over identity exploration. It adheres to the social structures and homogeneous casting norms of the early 20th century. Ultimately, the work serves as a traditional slapstick piece rather than a vehicle for social commentary or challenging established social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does That Fatal Sneeze have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a generational prank between an older man and a young person. It does not include any characters with non-straight or non-cisgender identities, nor does it depict any same-sex relationships.

How does That Fatal Sneeze portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around male-dominated interactions. There are no female characters or challenges to traditional gender hierarchies, reflecting a male-centric slapstick dynamic.

How racially and ethnically diverse is That Fatal Sneeze?

Limited

The film likely reflects the homogeneous casting norms of the early silent era. There is no indication of racial diversity or non-Anglo-Saxon majority casts.

How does That Fatal Sneeze represent religion and culture?

Limited

This slapstick comedy focuses on domestic mischief and escalating chaos. It does not address systemic critiques or prioritize secular or moral relativism.

Does That Fatal Sneeze include disability representation?

Minimal

Physical reactions such as sneezing serve as comedic plot devices. There is no evidence of characters with disabilities being represented with real influence or as objects of ridicule.

Present on Screen

Effective use of kinetic storytelling and visual gags.
Early science fiction and comedy genre-blending.

Limited or Absent

Lack of diverse character representation or non-male-centric dynamics.
Absence of complex social commentary or multi-layered narrative depth.

Official Synopsis

As an older man and a youth are eating at the table, the older man decides to amuse himself by using pepper to make the boy sneeze. Later, the boy retaliates by sneaking into the older man's room and putting pepper in his handkerchief, hairbrush, and clothing. But things quickly get out of hand when the sneezing that results begins to disrupt the whole town.

How are these scores produced? →