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Small Time

Name: Small Time
Director: Jeffrey Reiner
Released: 1996
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

2.4/10

Limited

1996

Director

Jeffrey Reiner

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Small Time follows a conventional mid-90s crime-comedy structure that relies heavily on established genre clichés. The plot focuses on a botched drug deal, prioritizing comedic tension over character depth or social exploration. The film adheres to traditional masculine hierarchies and lacks diverse perspectives or systemic critique. It presents a narrow view of the criminal underworld, offering little in the way of characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. Ultimately, the production reflects the era's tendency toward homogeneous casting and standard storytelling, failing to disrupt or expand upon existing social or gender norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does Small Time have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include visible non-binary gender identities. The storyline focuses on criminal activities rather than exploring diverse sexual orientations or identities.

How does Small Time portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on male-dominated criminal hierarchies. Women do not occupy actively leading roles or challenge traditional masculine stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Small Time?

Limited

The plot suggests a potentially homogeneous cast typical of 1990s crime comedies. There is no indication of a diverse or multi-ethnic ensemble.

How does Small Time represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film utilizes the small-time gangster cliché for comedic effect. It lacks systemic critique or the deconstruction of Western cultural institutions.

Does Small Time include disability representation?

Minimal

No characters are identified as having physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The narrative provides no data regarding disability representation.

Present on Screen

The film maintains a clear, focused genre premise centered on a high-stakes criminal transaction.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks diverse character archetypes and characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.
The film relies on traditional, homogeneous depictions of the criminal underworld.
There is a notable absence of women's ability to drive the story or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

Official Synopsis

Ben is a small-time gangster who gets the opportunity to earn a lot of money. His boss sends him to a remote ranch with bag full of drugs and orders him to wait for the buyer. But the routine drug deal turns to disaster because of Ben’s unprofessional associates.

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