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Dad

Name: Dad
Director: Gary David Goldberg
Released: 1989
Duration: 117 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1989

Director

Gary David Goldberg

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dad is a conventional domestic drama that focuses on traditional narrative structures and a homogeneous cast. It delves into the emotional depth of grief and familial continuity rather than social disruption. The film excels in exploring the nuances of vulnerability and grief, particularly through the relationship between a father and son. It provides a detailed look at the dynamics of caretaking and aging. However, the film lacks diverse representation and adheres to the social and cinematic conventions of its time without challenging established norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dad have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a traditional family structure where everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender. There are no characters who identify as LGBTQ or have same-sex relationships.

How does Dad portray gender?

Fair

The story explores male vulnerability by moving beyond the stereotype of the invincible provider. However, it still follows traditional family hierarchies and gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dad?

Minimal

The cast is made up of white, middle-class actors, and there is no effort to include diverse racial or cultural backgrounds. The film does not challenge the Anglo-centric norm.

How does Dad represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes the importance of the nuclear family and traditional emotional connections. It does not question or break down Western social norms or institutions.

Does Dad include disability representation?

Limited

Illness and physical decline are used mainly to drive character development. The portrayal focuses on the emotional impact of these conditions within a traditional dramatic storyline.

Present on Screen

Offers a deep exploration of vulnerability and grief.
Challenges the stereotype of the invincible provider by showing male emotional depth.
Provides a platform for examining the lived experience of caretaking.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse casting and representation of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Maintains a strictly traditional family structure.
Does not engage with or challenge Western social or religious norms.

Official Synopsis

A busy executive learns during a meeting that his mother may be dying and rushes home to her side. He ends up being his father's caretaker and becomes closer to him than ever before. Estranged from his own son, the executive comes to realize what has been missing in his own life.

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