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What a Man

Name: What a Man
Director: Matthias Schweighöfer, Torsten Künstler
Released: 2011
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2011

Director

Matthias Schweighöfer, Torsten Künstler

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What a Man primarily serves as a character study of modern masculinity. It successfully challenges the stereotype of the unshakable male lead by highlighting emotional intelligence and vulnerability after a breakup. However, the film lacks diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ identities and non-traditional gender narratives. The narrative remains focused on a conventional romantic-comedy structure and a localized European perspective, offering limited engagement with diverse racial or queer identities. Overall, while it deconstructs specific gender roles, it does not challenge broader social hierarchies or provide a wide range of representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does What a Man have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on a heterosexual relationship between Alex and Caroline. There are no queer narratives or non-cisgender identities presented.

How does What a Man portray gender?

Fair

The film examines the vulnerability of its male protagonist, questioning traditional stoic archetypes through emotional self-discovery.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What a Man?

Limited

The production follows typical European demographic patterns and lacks a multi-ethnic cast or intentional racial diversity.

How does What a Man represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes secular self-discovery and individual identity, avoiding religious or systemic critiques.

Does What a Man include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters dealing with physical, mental, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights emotional vulnerability in a male protagonist.
Explores modern male identity through a character-driven approach.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Shows limited racial and ethnic diversity within its European setting.
Does not address systemic or institutional critiques beyond individual identity.

Official Synopsis

What a man is a comedy that tells the story of a young professor, Alex (Matthias Schweighofer), who after being left by his girlfriend Caroline (Mavie Hörbiger), begins a journey to know himself. But how do you overcome the difficulties of a man today? Or rather what is it that makes a man a man?

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