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History of the World in Two Hours

Name: History of the World in Two Hours
Director: Douglas Cohen
Released: 2011
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

2011

TV-PG

Director

Douglas Cohen

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

History of the World in Two Hours is a pedagogical documentary focused on cosmological and scientific exposition. Its primary goal is to explain the 14-billion-year history of the universe through CGI-driven biological and astronomical facts. Because the film prioritizes macro-scale natural phenomena, it lacks the narrative structure needed for social or identity-based exploration. The content remains neutral, focusing on scientific chronology rather than challenging social hierarchies or promoting characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does History of the World in Two Hours have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on cosmic and biological evolution through CGI. It doesn't include LGBTQ+ characters or narratives exploring non-straight relationships.

How does History of the World in Two Hours portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers on the emergence of life and civilization. It lacks nuanced portrayals of gender roles or specific depictions of women in early history.

How racially and ethnically diverse is History of the World in Two Hours?

Fair

The scope covers the rise of man and global civilization. It likely prioritizes biological processes over specific nuances related to ethnic identity.

How does History of the World in Two Hours represent religion and culture?

Fair

The documentary adopts a secular, scientific framework. It prioritizes astronomical and biological facts over religious or spiritual explanations.

Does History of the World in Two Hours include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent identities. The CGI-driven format lacks character-driven arcs for disability exploration.

Present on Screen

Provides a global perspective by spanning the entire history of human civilization.
Uses a scientific, secular framework to explain complex cosmic connections.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentionality regarding the representation of specific social identities or the way different parts of someone's identity overlap.
Fails to provide character-driven narratives that could explore gender or disability.
Does not actively disrupt traditional gender hierarchies within its historical survey.

Official Synopsis

Did you know that 1% of the white noise you see on old televisions is background radiation from The Big Bang? That the gold on a wedding ring comes from a star that exploded 5 billion years ago? And, that we're connected to the salt water of the first oceans through the water in our bodies? Our human story is actually 14 billion years old and the clues are all around us. This CGI-driven special will tell the history of our world in two hours, an ambitious story that will give surprising connections to our daily lives. From the formation of the earth and the emergence of life, to the advance of man and the growth of civilization, it’s a rapid-fire view of our unforgettable story.

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