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A Kind of Murder

Name: A Kind of Murder
Director: Andy Goddard
Released: 2016
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2016

Director

Andy Goddard

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Kind of Murder operates mainly within the established clichés of crime and thriller genres. It focuses on period-specific psychological tension and interpersonal dynamics rather than social subversion. The narrative centers on a wealthy architect and a dysfunctional marriage, keeping the story anchored in conventional social hierarchies. This focus on a specific socioeconomic class limits the film's perspective. Ultimately, the film lacks the intentionality needed to disrupt traditional frameworks or provide meaningful characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity, favoring atmospheric period accuracy over ideological deconstruction.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Kind of Murder have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge traditional heterosexual relationships. The central conflict revolves around a troubled marriage between Walter and Clara.

How does A Kind of Murder portray gender?

Fair

The story examines a 'damaged' female character's psychological struggles but may rely on traditional gender stereotypes instead of challenging patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Kind of Murder?

Limited

Set in 1960s New York, the narrative focuses on a particular socioeconomic class. There is no indication of a diverse cast or non-Anglo-Saxon majority.

How does A Kind of Murder represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film emphasizes individual morality and suspense without critiquing Western institutions or promoting anti-establishment themes.

Does A Kind of Murder include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of visible or invisible disabilities. No characters are shown to have neurodivergence or physical impairments.

Present on Screen

The film offers a nuanced exploration of a female character's psychological distress.
The 1960s setting provides a focused, atmospheric backdrop for a period-specific psychological thriller.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional clichés, such as the 'damaged woman' archetype, rather than challenging gender hierarchies.
The film lacks diverse casting and fails to represent non-Anglo-Saxon identities within its New York setting.
There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent characters.

Official Synopsis

In 1960s New York, Walter Stackhouse is a rich, successful architect and unhappily married to the beautiful but damaged Clara. His desire to be free of her feeds his obsession with Kimmel, a man suspected of brutally murdering his own wife. When Walter and Kimmel's lives become dangerously intertwined, a ruthless police detective becomes convinced he has found the murderer. But as the lines blur between innocence and intent, who, in fact, is the real killer?

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