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Calling All Earthlings

Name: Calling All Earthlings
Director: Jonathan Berman
Released: 2018
Duration: 74 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2018

Director

Jonathan Berman

Runtime

74 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Calling All Earthlings is a documentary focused on mid-century counter-cultural movements and unusual historical beliefs. It looks at the tension between individual scientific inquiry and the regulatory power of federal agencies like the FBI. The film does not have a broad range of demographic representation, especially concerning LGBTQ+ identities and racial diversity. The historical figures and settings suggest a predominantly Western and male-focused perspective. However, the documentary excels in its cultural critique. By highlighting the 'alternative community' against state authority, it delves into non-conformist social structures and non-secular belief systems.

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Category Breakdown

Does Calling All Earthlings have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-cisgender identities. The focus is solely on the spiritual and scientific claims made by the Van Tassel circle.

How does Calling All Earthlings portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male historical figures such as George Van Tassel, Nikola Tesla, and Howard Hughes. It lacks strong roles for women and does not challenge traditional gender power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Calling All Earthlings?

Limited

The subject matter focuses on a primarily Western and Anglo-Saxon demographic. There is no indication of a diverse cast or the use of non-human species as symbols for racial diversity.

How does Calling All Earthlings represent religion and culture?

Good

The film explores unconventional spirituality and guidance from extraterrestrial beings. It criticizes state authority by portraying the FBI's actions as a conflict against an alternative, non-secular community.

Does Calling All Earthlings include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific mention of the portrayal of neurodivergence, mental health issues, or physical disabilities within the documentary's context.

Present on Screen

Offers a detailed look at non-traditional spirituality and fringe belief systems.
Provides a compelling critique of centralized Western authority and institutional power.

Limited or Absent

Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Focuses on male historical figures with limited roles for women.
Lacks racial and ethnic diversity in the main subject matter.

Official Synopsis

Calling All Earthlings explores a mid-century UFO cult led by one-time Howard Hughes confidante, George Van Tassel. Van Tassel claimed to have combined alien guidance with the writings of inventor/physicist Nikola Tesla, and other controversial science, to build an electromagnetic time machine he dubbed “The Integratron.” Was he insane? Or could the dome really break through the boundaries of space, time, and energy? FBI agents worked against Van Tassel and the alternative community that formed out of his work. Would he finish the Integratron before the government finished him?

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