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Marjoe

Name: Marjoe
Director: Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan
Released: 1972
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1972

Director

Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Marjoe is a traditional documentary that stands out through its intellectual critique. Despite its limited diversity in terms of gender, race, and LGBTQ+ representation, it provides a profound examination of institutional power. Its strength lies in its cultural analysis, revealing the intersection of faith and commerce. It challenges the sanctity of religious authority by portraying evangelism as a performative industry. Ultimately, the film's value comes from its meta-narrative deconstruction of Western religious institutions, rather than its broad demographic representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Marjoe have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. It focuses solely on the protagonist's career and the mechanics of evangelical revivalism.

How does Marjoe portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a male protagonist and the patriarchal structures of his religion. There are no strong female roles or challenges to traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Marjoe?

Limited

The film depicts a predominantly white American tent revival circuit. It reflects the specific religious subculture without much racial diversity.

How does Marjoe represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a deep critique of organized religion and capitalism. It shows how faith can be used as a performative and exploitative tool.

Does Marjoe include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of individuals with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the main storyline.

Present on Screen

Offers a sophisticated critique of the intersection between organized religion and capitalism.
Effectively deconstructs the performative nature of the 'religion business.'
Provides a compelling meta-narrative through the protagonist's self-critique.

Limited or Absent

Lacks strong female roles or challenges to traditional gender roles.
Does not show much racial or ethnic diversity within the specific religious subculture.
Includes no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives.

Official Synopsis

Part documentary, part expose, this film follows one-time child evangelist Marjoe Gortner on the "church tent" Revivalist circuit, commenting on the showmanship of Evangelism and "the religion business", prior to the start of "televangelism". Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2005.

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