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Laterna, Poverty and Carnation

Name: Laterna, Poverty and Carnation
Director: Alekos Sakellarios
Released: 1957
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1957

Director

Alekos Sakellarios

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Laterna, Poverty and Carnation is a character-driven comedy reflecting the social constraints of 1957 Greece. The narrative focuses on the socioeconomic survival of two itinerant performers in urban Athens. The film does not intentionally address modern multi-layered frameworks and instead emphasizes traditional storytelling and localized, homogeneous social dynamics. While the film captures the essence of mid-century Greek life, it remains rooted in the era's conventional social and gendered structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Laterna, Poverty and Carnation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to the social norms of 1950s Mediterranean society and does not include any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight and cisgender.

How does Laterna, Poverty and Carnation portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around two male characters and their economic hardships. Female characters are present but have little control over their situations and do not challenge patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Laterna, Poverty and Carnation?

Limited

Set in Athens, the film focuses on a homogenous Greek population and does not feature actors from different ethnic backgrounds.

How does Laterna, Poverty and Carnation represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film explores the ethical dilemmas of survival within traditional societal norms. It emphasizes traditional friendships rather than challenging modern moral frameworks.

Does Laterna, Poverty and Carnation include disability representation?

Limited

The declining health of a character introduces a theme of physical vulnerability. However, it is unclear whether this situation provides the character with real power or merely serves as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Offers a grounded perspective on socioeconomic struggles and the realities of poverty in mid-century Athens.
Explores themes of interpersonal loyalty and the ethics of necessity through character-driven comedy.

Limited or Absent

Does not include non-straight or non-cisgender identities or diverse sexual orientations.
Features limited female roles, with women primarily appearing in supporting familial roles.
Maintains a homogeneous cast that lacks actors from different ethnic backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

Pavlaras and Petrakis have spent the money that Kaiti's father gave them two years ago and continue to travel around Athens with their lantern. However, Pavlaras is not well and needs to rest, as recommended by his doctor. Petrakis collects money from their friends, but it is not enough to cover their expenses. He is then forced to secretly sell the lantern without Pavlaras' knowledge.

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