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The House with Closed Shutters

Name: The House with Closed Shutters
Director: D.W. Griffith
Released: 1910
Duration: 16 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1910

Not Rated

Director

D.W. Griffith

Runtime

16 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

D.W. Griffith's early works often reinforce traditional Victorian morals and social hierarchies rather than challenging them. While there is a moment where gender roles are reversed, it ultimately serves to uphold the importance of family reputation and social conformity. The narrative lacks complexity in addressing multiple aspects of identity and does not offer a critique of systemic issues. Instead, it functions as a moral drama centered around the consequences of deviating from societal norms during the Civil War era.

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Category Breakdown

Does The House with Closed Shutters have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any characters who identify as LGBTQ+. It focuses solely on heterosexual and cisgender roles.

How does The House with Closed Shutters portray gender?

Fair

A woman takes on a traditionally male role to protect her brother, but this is portrayed as a heroic sacrifice rather than a challenge to gender norms. The male character's cowardice is shown as a source of shame.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The House with Closed Shutters?

Minimal

The cast and setting seem homogeneous, reflecting the typical casting practices of the time. There is no indication of racial or ethnic diversity in the story.

How does The House with Closed Shutters represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes Western values related to honor and family secrecy. It highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the home and fulfilling social duties.

Does The House with Closed Shutters include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no specific depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Includes a moment where a woman takes on a traditionally male role to protect her brother.
Examines the emotional burden of shame and maintaining family reputation.

Limited or Absent

Does not feature racial or ethnic diversity in the cast and setting.
Reinforces traditional gender roles and feminine sacrifice rather than challenging them.
Does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or neurodivergent experiences.

Official Synopsis

During the Civil War a young soldier loses his nerve in battle and runs away to his home to hide; his sister puts on his uniform, takes her brother's place in the battle, and is killed. Their mother, not wanting the shameful truth to become known, closes all the shutters (hence the film's title) and keeps her son's presence a secret for many years, though two boyhood chums stumble upon the truth...

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