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The Beginning or the End

The Beginning or the End

1947

NR

Director

Norman Taurog

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

The research, development, and deployment of the first atomic bomb, as well as the bombing of Hiroshima, are detailed in this docudrama.

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Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

2.6/10

Limited


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Minimal

The film lacks LGBTQ+ characters or non-heteronormative identities. The narrative focuses on wartime structures that typically excluded queer identities from the central dramatic arc.

Gender Representation

Limited

The story centers on masculine hierarchies within the scientific and military development of the atomic bomb. Female characters are relegated to supportive or domestic roles, reinforcing traditional gender norms.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Limited

The narrative is centered on the Anglo-American scientific and military apparatus. It lacks a non-white majority cast or diverse ethnic perspectives in the decision-making processes.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Fair

The film operates within a framework of mid-century Western institutionalism. It documents Western state power and geopolitical necessities rather than offering critiques of Western institutions.

Disability Representation

Minimal

There is no discernible evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this production.

Strengths

  • Provides a historical look at the development and deployment of the first atomic bomb.
  • Documents a significant moment of Western state power and scientific achievement.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-heteronormative characters.
  • Fails to include diverse ethnic perspectives in the central decision-making processes.
  • Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by relegating women to domestic or supportive roles.

AI Analysis

The Beginning or the End functions as a historical docudrama that mirrors the social constraints of 1947. Its narrative architecture is built around the masculine-coded scientific and military efforts of the United States during the Manhattan Project. Because the film focuses on Western institutional power, it lacks intersectional complexity. The storytelling adheres to the traditional hierarchies of the era, prioritizing the achievements of the Anglo-American military apparatus over diverse or marginalized perspectives. Ultimately, the film serves as a reflection of mid-century geopolitical priorities. It lacks the representation of queer identities, diverse ethnicities, or non-traditional gender roles necessary for a more progressive score.

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