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FTA

Name: FTA
Director: Francine Parker
Released: 1972
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

7.6/10

Good

1972

Director

Francine Parker

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

FTA serves as a powerful counter-cultural document that deconstructs the heroic mythos of the state. It centers the struggles of soldiers and their families against institutional momentum. However, the film is limited by the era's social constraints. It lacks engagement with LGBTQ+ identities and does not provide dedicated portrayals of disability or neurodivergence. Ultimately, the work's strength lies in its systemic critique of racial and gendered tensions during the Vietnam War.

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Category Breakdown

Does FTA have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It focuses on the relationships between soldiers and their wives or girlfriends, without engaging with queer identities.

How does FTA portray gender?

Good

The documentary disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting the emotional labor of women. It portrays the domestic sphere as unstable rather than a stable home.

How racially and ethnically diverse is FTA?

Good

The film captures the lived experiences of Black, White, and Hispanic service members. It addresses racial tensions and avoids a purely Anglo-centric military perspective.

How does FTA represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions and the military-industrial complex. It prioritizes the subjective experiences of soldiers over official state narratives.

Does FTA include disability representation?

Limited

While the psychological toll of war is evident, there is no dedicated portrayal of neurodivergence. Mental health struggles are shown as symptoms of conflict rather than focused disability issues.

Present on Screen

Includes diverse racial representation with Black, White, and Hispanic service members.
Highlights the emotional and psychological strain experienced by women.
Critiques Western institutions and the military-industrial complex.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.
Does not provide dedicated or agentic explorations of disability or neurodivergence.
Focuses on straight-centered relationships, limiting broader social representation.

Official Synopsis

A documentary about a political troupe headed by actors Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland which traveled to towns near military bases in the US in the early 1970s. The group put on shows called "F.T.A.", which stood for "F**k the Army", and was aimed at convincing soldiers to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time. Various singers, actors and other entertainers performed antiwar songs and skits during the show.

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