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One Way Boogie Woogie

Name: One Way Boogie Woogie
Director: James Benning
Released: 2012
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

2012

Director

James Benning

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

James Benning’s experimental documentary explores landscape and time through static, long-duration shots of Milwaukee’s industrial and natural environments. The film emphasizes rhythmic, environmental scenes over human-driven storytelling. Because the work consists of inanimate objects set to Fats Domino’s music, it lacks the human ability to act needed for traditional sociological assessment. It does not engage with identity politics or interpersonal dynamics. Ultimately, the film serves as a neutral observer of topography, focusing on space rather than serving as a vehicle for social critique.

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Category Breakdown

Does One Way Boogie Woogie have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

Since the film contains no human characters, there is no depiction of sexual orientation or gender identity.

How does One Way Boogie Woogie portray gender?

Minimal

With no human subjects, there are no depictions of masculinity, femininity, or gender hierarchies to analyze.

How racially and ethnically diverse is One Way Boogie Woogie?

Minimal

The film focuses on the interaction between man-made structures and the natural environment. Without a cast, there is no assessment of racial or ethnic representation.

How does One Way Boogie Woogie represent religion and culture?

Fair

The work uses found musical elements to deconstruct traditional storytelling. It observes industrial landscapes without offering explicit social commentary.

Does One Way Boogie Woogie include disability representation?

Minimal

Since no characters are portrayed, there is no assessment of physical disability or neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

The film offers a unique, rhythmic exploration of industrial and natural landscapes through a formalist lens.
The use of Fats Domino's music adds a compelling auditory layer to the environmental scenes.

Limited or Absent

The absence of human characters prevents any engagement with social hierarchies or identity-based storytelling.
The non-narrative structure lacks the interpersonal dynamics necessary for diverse character representation.

Official Synopsis

In summer 2011, James Benning returned to his hometown of Milwaukee to make a third version of his seminal 1977 film 'One Way Boogie Woogie'. In 1977 he filmed 60 locations in Milwaukee’s industrial valley each for 60 seconds, creating short, minimal, playful narratives. In 2004 he remade the film as Twenty Seven Years Later, with the same 60 camera positions. This 2012 installation version, presents 18 locations similar to, and reminiscent of, the original.

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