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Screwdriver

Name: Screwdriver
Director: Bassam Jarbawi
Released: 2018
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2018

Director

Bassam Jarbawi

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Screwdriver (2018) succeeds in providing a meaningful non-Western perspective by centering the Palestinian experience. It avoids the typical Western-centric gaze by allowing the protagonist's internal struggle to dictate the film's pace and momentum. The film excels in its portrayal of psychological complexity and disability, treating mental instability as a primary narrative driver rather than a secondary plot device. This approach grants the character significant control during his psychological unraveling. However, the film's diversity is limited by a heavy focus on a single male protagonist. There is little evidence of LGBTQ+ representation or a diverse range of female characters within the current narrative framework.

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Category Breakdown

Does Screwdriver have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities or relationships outside of traditional heterosexual norms. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's psychological state and societal status.

How does Screwdriver portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a male protagonist struggling with the burden of being hailed as a hero. It potentially challenges traditional masculine archetypes by portraying a vulnerable man.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Screwdriver?

Excellent

By centering a Palestinian narrative, the film disrupts the Western-centric cinematic gaze. The protagonist is given significant control over the story's direction through his internal struggles.

How does Screwdriver represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film explores the psychological impact of societal institutions and expectations. It critiques how these factors can impose overwhelming identities on individuals.

Does Screwdriver include disability representation?

Good

Mental health and neurodivergence are central to the plot through Ziad's inability to distinguish reality from hallucinations. His psychological instability drives the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centering a Palestinian narrative provides a vital non-Western perspective.
The film offers a nuanced, humanistic portrayal of identity and trauma.
Mental health is integrated as a core, controlling driver of the plot.
Subverts traditional heroic archetypes through a vulnerable portrayal of manhood.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
The focus on a single male protagonist limits gender diversity.
There is a lack of detail regarding female character involvement.

Official Synopsis

After fifteen years of imprisonment, Ziad struggles to adjust to modern Palestinian life as the hero everyone hails him to be. Unable to distinguish reality from hallucination he unravels and forces himself to go back to where it all began.

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