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The Philadelphia Experiment

Name: The Philadelphia Experiment
Director: Paul Ziller
Released: 2012
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

2012

PG-13

Director

Paul Ziller

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film functions as a conventional science fiction thriller that relies on established genre clichés. It prioritizes a linear, male-centric adventure plot over diverse storytelling. The narrative structure reinforces traditional hierarchies through its historical setting and military focus. By centering on a mid-century naval event, the film maintains a homogeneous depiction of authority. Ultimately, the work lacks meaningful representation across most identity categories, focusing instead on the mechanics of temporal displacement and government experimentation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Philadelphia Experiment have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows typical genre conventions without featuring LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ representation in the narrative.

How does The Philadelphia Experiment portray gender?

Limited

A female protagonist plays a key role in driving the story, but the film's structure remains dominated by male characters. The setting emphasizes traditional masculine leadership and military hierarchy.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Philadelphia Experiment?

Limited

The story operates within a traditional Western military framework. It lacks significant evidence of diverse casting or a non-Anglo-Saxon majority cast.

How does The Philadelphia Experiment represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot treats the central phenomenon as a scientific anomaly rather than a critique of institutions. It lacks engagement with secularism or the deconstruction of Western morality.

Does The Philadelphia Experiment include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs. Disability does not play a significant role in driving the narrative.

Present on Screen

The inclusion of a female protagonist who plays a significant role in confronting the central conflict.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks meaningful representation across gender, race, and LGBTQ+ identities.
The narrative relies heavily on traditional masculine leadership and military hierarchies.
The casting and setting reflect a homogeneous, Western-centric view of historical authority.

Official Synopsis

A secret government research project tries reviving the World War II "Philadelphia Experiment," which was an attempt to create a cloaking device to render warships invisible. When the experiment succeeds, it brings back the original ship (the Eldridge) that disappeared during the first test in 1943 - which brings death and destruction to the 21st century. It's up to the sole survivor of the first experiment and his granddaughter to stop it.

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