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Elmer Gantry

Name: Elmer Gantry
Director: Richard Brooks
Released: 1960
Duration: 146 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1960

Approved

Director

Richard Brooks

Runtime

146 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Elmer Gantry is a film that primarily critiques institutions and societal structures. It offers a sophisticated look at how religion can be used for personal gain. However, it lacks diversity in terms of race, gender, and sexuality. While it avoids some traditional gender roles, women are often tied to the male protagonist's journey rather than having their own independent arcs.

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Category Breakdown

Does Elmer Gantry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories involving non-cisgender identities.

How does Elmer Gantry portray gender?

Fair

Women in the film play supporting roles, often serving the needs of the male protagonist rather than driving the plot themselves.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Elmer Gantry?

Minimal

The film features a predominantly white cast, reflecting the demographics of its 1920s setting without much diversity.

How does Elmer Gantry represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film effectively challenges the idea of religion as a purely spiritual pursuit, instead showing it as a commercial enterprise.

Does Elmer Gantry include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of physical, cognitive, or mental health disabilities in the main storyline.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated critique of the intersection between capitalism and organized religion.
Challenges the traditional portrayal of masculinity by depicting the male lead as morally corrupt.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender narratives.
Features a predominantly white cast with limited racial or ethnic diversity.
Female characters lack independent narrative arcs, often serving the male protagonist's journey.

Official Synopsis

A charismatic charlatan begins a business — and eventually romantic — relationship with a roadside evangelist to sell religion to 1920s America. Based on Sinclair Lewis' novel of the same name.

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