You are here:

Working Girls

Working Girls

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

1987

Unrated

Director

Lizzie Borden

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Lizzie Borden’s *Working Girls* is a compelling look at female subjectivity and economic ability to act in 1980s New York. By focusing on a model, a secretary, and an escort, the film shifts the narrative away from patriarchal structures toward female-centric ecosystems. The film stands out in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ identities and gendered power, presenting non-straight-centered lives with a straightforwardness that challenges the era's cinematic norms. It effectively dismantles traditional clichés by emphasizing how women navigate systemic obstacles using intelligence and resilience. While the film excels in critiquing capitalism and class, it falls short in exploring multi-layered racial dynamics and disability. It remains a significant example of early feminist storytelling that validates non-traditional lifestyles.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Working Girls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film presents a nuanced view of LGBTQ+ identities, focusing on the protagonist's lesbian identity as part of her overall life rather than just a plot point.

How does Working Girls portray gender?

Excellent

It challenges traditional gender roles by highlighting three women with significant influence. The film portrays these women as complex figures who negotiate power rather than falling into submissive stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Working Girls?

Fair

The movie explores socioeconomic differences through class contrasts but does not deeply explore racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap or feature a non-Anglo-Saxon majority.

How does Working Girls represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story critiques capitalist systems and the commodification of labor, showing characters making pragmatic decisions in response to economic pressures.

Does Working Girls include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not significantly address visible or invisible disabilities. Its themes focus more on gendered labor and class issues.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal structures.
  • Integrates LGBTQ+ identities naturally into the narrative.
  • Critiques capitalist systems and the commodification of labor.
  • Highlights characters' economic independence and ability to act.

Limited or Absent

  • Could explore multi-layered racial dynamics more deeply.
  • Needs more representation of visible or invisible disabilities.
  • Could benefit from a broader exploration of non-Anglo-Saxon perspectives.

Official Synopsis

A lesbian college graduate, trying to bankroll her own photography business, works as a high-priced New York City escort.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.