You are here:

Burning an Illusion

Name: Burning an Illusion
Director: Menelik Shabazz
Released: 1981
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

1981

Director

Menelik Shabazz

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Menelik Shabazz provides a vital counter-narrative to the mainstream British cinema of the early 1980s. By centering a Black female protagonist, the film shifts the focus from Eurocentric norms to the overlapping aspects of identity within the diaspora. The film's strength lies in its subversion of traditional domestic roles. Instead of a passive female lead, the protagonist seeks intellectual growth and self-actualization, challenging the power dynamics of her relationships. While the film excels in racial and gendered storytelling, it lacks specific evidence regarding LGBTQ+ identities or disability representation. Nevertheless, its commitment to systemic critique makes it a significant piece of independent cinema.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Burning an Illusion have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a community that deviates from mainstream heterosexual norms. However, there is no specific evidence of queer subplots or non-cisgender identities.

How does Burning an Illusion portray gender?

Good

The story challenges traditional gender roles by centering a Black woman's struggle for autonomy. She is the primary driver of her own life rather than a passive participant.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Burning an Illusion?

Excellent

This work breaks the typical white-dominated British cinematic landscape of 1981. It uses a non-Anglo-Saxon perspective to explore the lived experiences and social constraints of the diaspora.

How does Burning an Illusion represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative explores anti-establishment and post-colonial themes. It emphasizes community support as a means to navigate and critique existing social and economic structures.

Does Burning an Illusion include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

Centers Black female autonomy and independence.
Disrupts Eurocentric British cinematic norms.
Explores post-colonial and anti-establishment themes.
Prioritizes community-driven narratives and collective identity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible LGBTQ+ or queer subplots.
No documented representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A young black woman in England becomes increasingly frustrated with her life with her lazy, demanding boyfriend, and with the help of friends seeks something better.

How are these scores produced? →