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American Madness

Name: American Madness
Director: Frank Capra
Released: 1932
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1932

Passed

Director

Frank Capra

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

American Madness focuses on social psychology and economic instability during the Great Depression. However, it does so through a narrow demographic lens, lacking diverse representation. The film effectively highlights the volatility of capitalist frameworks but maintains a traditional, homogeneous social hierarchy. It lacks diverse character's ability to drive the story and representation of non-normative identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does American Madness have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a strictly straight-centered structure typical of the early 1930s, with no representation of non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does American Madness portray gender?

Limited

The male protagonist, Thomas Dickson, holds the majority of the ability to act, while women play secondary roles within domestic or social contexts.

How racially and ethnically diverse is American Madness?

Minimal

The setting is predominantly Anglo-Saxon, with no significant engagement with racial or ethnic diversity or non-white characters.

How does American Madness represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques Western economic institutions and capitalist fragility, exploring how mass hysteria can destabilize the banking system.

Does American Madness include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. Character struggles are centered on socioeconomic and psychological issues.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of the volatility within Western economic and capitalist institutions.
Explores the psychological phenomenon of mass hysteria and its impact on civic order.

Limited or Absent

Does not include representation of non-cisgender identities or LGBTQ+ characters.
Features a homogeneous demographic with almost no racial or ethnic diversity.
Maintains a patriarchal hierarchy where female characters have limited ability to act.

Official Synopsis

Socially-conscious banker Thomas Dickson faces a crisis when his protégé is wrongly accused of robbing the bank, gossip of the robbery starts a bank run, and evidence suggests Dickson's wife had an affair... all in the same day.

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