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Muhammad and Larry

Name: Muhammad and Larry
Director: Bradley Kaplan, Albert Maysles
Released: 2009
Duration: 53 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2009

TV-G

Director

Bradley Kaplan, Albert Maysles

Runtime

53 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Muhammad and Larry presents a detailed exploration of two Black icons navigating the latter stages of their careers. It excels in highlighting the subjects' ability to act and the complexities of racial politics and neurological decline. However, the film's focus on the hyper-masculine world of boxing limits its portrayal of gender and LGBTQ+ diversity, which affects its overall inclusivity. Ultimately, the documentary is a compelling study of Black excellence and individual conscience, though it remains confined to a narrow social demographic.

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Category Breakdown

Does Muhammad and Larry have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the hyper-masculine environment of professional boxing and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities.

How does Muhammad and Larry portray gender?

Minimal

The documentary centers around a traditional male-dominated framework. Subjects and peers are predominantly male, with limited representation of female perspectives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Muhammad and Larry?

Excellent

The film highlights the intellectual and political lives of Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes, providing a strong focus on Black excellence and ability to act.

How does Muhammad and Larry represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative delves into themes of personal conviction and conflict with systemic structures. It emphasizes Ali's political defiance and his refusal to serve in the military.

Does Muhammad and Larry include disability representation?

Good

The film sensitively portrays the physical realities of aging, especially Muhammad Ali's struggle with Parkinson's disease.

Present on Screen

Highlights the intellectual and political lives of Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes.
Provides a sensitive look at Parkinson's disease and aging.
Explores the intersections of racial politics and institutional authority.

Limited or Absent

Includes limited representation of female perspectives and ability to act.
Lacks LGBTQ+ representation.
Operates within a strictly male-centric framework.

Official Synopsis

In October of 1980 Muhammad Ali was preparing to fight for an unprecedented fourth heavyweight title against his friend and former sparring partner Larry Holmes. To say that the great Ali was in the twilight of his career would be generous; most of his admiring fans, friends and fight scribes considered his bravado delusional. What was left for him to prove? In the weeks of training before the fight, documentarians Albert and David Maysles took an intimate look at Ali trying to convince the world and perhaps himself, that he was still “The Greatest.” At the same time, they documented the mild-mannered and undervalued champion Holmes as he confidently prepared to put an end to the career of a man for whom he had an abiding and deep affection

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