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The Cooler

Name: The Cooler
Director: Wayne Kramer
Released: 2003
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2003

Director

Wayne Kramer

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by featuring a Black protagonist who is defined by professional competence and complex moral decision-making rather than stereotypes. This provides a nuanced look at identity within a high-wealth, predominantly white environment. While the narrative offers a sharp critique of capitalist structures and institutional morality, it remains limited in its social breadth. The lack of LGBTQ+ representation and the use of a psychological condition as a plot mechanic prevent a higher score. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its character depth and its subversion of the traditional American Dream, even as it adheres to conventional romantic structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cooler have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. The main love story focuses solely on a traditional heterosexual relationship.

How does The Cooler portray gender?

Fair

Natalie, the female lead, plays a significant role in driving the story and influencing the protagonist's growth. However, the film follows traditional gender roles without challenging them.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cooler?

Good

Bernie Lootbaugh is a Black man portrayed as a competent professional with complex moral dimensions. His character avoids racial clichés, providing a sophisticated look at identity in a high-stakes corporate environment.

How does The Cooler represent religion and culture?

Good

The film criticizes Western capitalist institutions by showing the casino as a predatory machine. It questions the American Dream through a lens that highlights institutional manipulation and exploitation.

Does The Cooler include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's ability to cause misfortune serves as a metaphorical psychological burden. This functions more as a narrative device than a realistic exploration of disability.

Present on Screen

Features a Black protagonist with professional competence and complex moral decision-making.
Offers a sophisticated critique of predatory capitalist institutions and systemic exploitation.
Gives the female lead significant emotional ability to act and narrative importance.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight storylines.
Uses a psychological condition as a narrative plot mechanic rather than exploring disability.
Follows traditional gender roles and conventional romantic frameworks.

Official Synopsis

Bernie works at a Las Vegas casino, where he uses his innate ability to bring about misfortune in those around him to jinx gamblers into losing. His imposing boss, Shelly Kaplow, is happy with the arrangement. But Bernie finds unexpected happiness when he begins dating attractive waitress Natalie Belisario.

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