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Blackball

Name: Blackball
Director: Mel Smith
Released: 2003
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2003

Director

Mel Smith

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Blackball is a traditional ensemble comedy that emphasizes a homogeneous socioeconomic experience. It focuses on the British working class of the 1970s. While the film offers an implicit critique of capitalist structures, it does not explore multi-layered issues. The narrative structure reinforces traditional gender and racial hierarchies. The film operates within a conventional comedic framework that does not challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender or systemic social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does Blackball have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on male friendships and does not include any characters with non-traditional gender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Blackball portray gender?

Limited

The story mainly revolves around male characters, while women are shown in supporting roles or domestic settings.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Blackball?

Limited

The cast is primarily white and Anglo-Saxon, reflecting the film's 1970s London setting. There is no effort to include racially diverse actors.

How does Blackball represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques economic systems through humor, highlighting the instability of traditional institutions and capitalist structures.

Does Blackball include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it give ability to act to those with such conditions.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced portrayal of systemic economic failure and the struggles of the unemployed.
Critiques capitalist structures through the lens of comedic survival.

Limited or Absent

Does not represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender expressions.
Relegates women to peripheral roles, reinforcing traditional gender hierarchies.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Focuses almost exclusively on a white, Anglo-Saxon cast, lacking racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

Blackball follows the fortunes of Cliff Starkey, a working-class fine of lawn bowls with an exceptional talent. Wanting to take on the Aussies he manages to become regional champion, only to get banned. Sports agent Rich Schwartz picks him up and makes him so popular the Bowls Committee deem to lift the ban. Now the question is whether he can regain his form and his friends to beat the Aussies.

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