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Still of the Night

Name: Still of the Night
Director: Robert Benton
Released: 1982
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1982

Director

Robert Benton

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Still of the Night is a sophisticated psychological study of paranoia and identity fragmentation. It excels at using postmodernist techniques to explore the unreliability of memory and the subjective nature of truth. However, the film remains tied to traditional social structures, relying on conventional demographic archetypes. While it offers intellectual depth through existential dread, it lacks characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative focuses internally, prioritizing the white protagonist's mental disintegration over a diverse or inclusive social landscape.

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Category Breakdown

Does Still of the Night have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. Romantic and social dynamics are centered around heterosexual relationships.

How does Still of the Night portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on traditional family structures and the protagonist's relationship with his wife. It shows the breakdown of masculine authority due to psychological trauma without challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Still of the Night?

Minimal

The cast and setting are predominantly white and upper-middle class, with no visible racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Still of the Night represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film examines moral relativism through a local psychological perspective. It centers on the protagonist's desire to maintain his social and professional standing.

Does Still of the Night include disability representation?

Limited

Mental health issues and psychological unraveling are used as plot devices for suspense. These elements serve as tools for creating tension rather than giving ability to act to characters dealing with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated exploration of how external perceptions can destabilize an individual's sense of self.
Effective use of postmodernist techniques to explore the unreliability of memory.
In-depth psychological examination of paranoia and identity fragmentation.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and setting.
No LGBTQ+ characters or narratives involving non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Reliance on psychological instability as a plot device rather than giving characters real ability to act.

Official Synopsis

When one of his patients is found murdered, psychiatrist Dr. Sam Rice is visited by the investigating officer but refuses to give up any information. He's then visited by the patient's mistress, Brooke Reynolds, whom he quickly falls for despite her being a likely murder suspect. As the police pressure on him intensifies, Rice decides to attempt solving the case on his own and soon discovers that someone is trying to kill him as well.

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