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The Beginning or the End

Name: The Beginning or the End
Director: Norman Taurog
Released: 1947
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1947

Director

Norman Taurog

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Beginning or the End functions as a historical docudrama reflecting the social constraints of 1947. Its narrative structure revolves around the masculine-coded scientific and military efforts of the United States during the Manhattan Project. The film focuses on Western institutional power, lacking the complexity of intersecting identities. The storytelling adheres to the traditional hierarchies of the era, prioritizing the achievements of the Anglo-American military apparatus over diverse or underrepresented perspectives. Ultimately, the film reflects mid-century geopolitical priorities. It lacks the representation of queer identities, diverse ethnicities, or non-traditional gender roles necessary for a more inclusive perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Beginning or the End have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or representations of non-straight relationships. The storyline focuses on wartime structures that traditionally exclude queer identities from the main plot.

How does The Beginning or the End portray gender?

Limited

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

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Beginning or the End?

Limited

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

How does The Beginning or the End represent religion and culture?

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.

Does The Beginning or the End include disability representation?

Minimal

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

Present on Screen

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

Limited or Absent

Includes no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Does not include diverse ethnic perspectives in the central decision-making processes.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by limiting women to domestic or supportive roles.

Official 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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