You are here:

Permutations

Name: Permutations
Director: John Whitney Sr.
Released: 1968
Duration: 8 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

1968

Director

John Whitney Sr.

Runtime

8 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Permutations is a formalist experiment in computer animation that operates outside the typical parameters of social representation. It uses mathematical permutations and geometric abstraction rather than human-centric storytelling. Since the work lacks a cast, it cannot address identity, ability to act, or systemic power dynamics. The film's focus is purely aesthetic and technical, functioning within a framework of mathematical logic that avoids conventional social or cultural narratives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Permutations have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film consists of animated geometric shapes and does not include any human characters or dialogue, so it cannot depict sexual orientation or gender identity.

How does Permutations portray gender?

Minimal

The film focuses on the kinetic movement of digital forms and does not engage with gender hierarchies or roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Permutations?

Minimal

As a work of pure abstraction, the film lacks a cast or characters and does not include any racial or ethnic identifiers.

How does Permutations represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film prioritizes mathematical and secular logic over traditional storytelling or religious iconography, focusing instead on the language of early computing.

Does Permutations include disability representation?

Minimal

The film lacks human subjects and does not address physical, neurodivergent, or sensory disabilities through characterization or narrative.

Present on Screen

The film successfully bypasses conventional cultural clichés by focusing on universal mathematical patterns.
It offers a unique, non-human perspective through the use of early computer-generated imagery.

Limited or Absent

The non-narrative structure prevents any meaningful engagement with human identity or social representation.
The absence of human subjects means the film cannot address issues of race, gender, or disability.

Official Synopsis

An experimental short film by John Whitney Sr. which combines animated shapes and colors; Computer graphics as dynamic, swirling art. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2014.

How are these scores produced? →