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The Cloud

Name: The Cloud
Director: Fernando E. Solanas
Released: 1998
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

1998

PG-13

Director

Fernando E. Solanas

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Cloud is a sophisticated political critique that emphasizes systemic issues over individual success. By highlighting the conflict between underrepresented citizens and an oppressive state, the film avoids idealized representations of society. Its strength lies in using character arcs to illustrate broader social problems. For example, the aging Max and the migrant Fulo help to highlight societal instability. However, the film's focus on socioeconomic and age-related themes means there is limited explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or specific disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cloud have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on socioeconomic issues and personal relationships without explicitly addressing LGBTQ+ themes or non-cisgender identities.

How does The Cloud portray gender?

Fair

Fulo stands out as a powerful female character with her own professional and maternal roles. The film also challenges traditional masculinity by showing Max's vulnerability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cloud?

Good

Set in South America, the film examines identity through the lens of historical colonization. It highlights a Brazilian dancer in Buenos Aires to showcase a meaningful cultural exchange across borders.

How does The Cloud represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes Western institutions and state corruption. It portrays the government and police as obstacles that betray the citizens they are supposed to protect.

Does The Cloud include disability representation?

Fair

While there are no specific physical disabilities highlighted, the film addresses the exclusion of the elderly. Characters like Enrique face a world that is structurally unsupportive of older individuals.

Present on Screen

Critiques institutional power and state corruption
Gives nuanced roles to female characters
Explores post-colonial and cross-border cultural identities

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit LGBTQ+ representation
Should feature specific depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities

Official Synopsis

A black cloud brings 1600 days of rain to Buenos Aires, while traffic and pedestrians move backwards. Aging actor Max (Eduardo Pavlovsky) runs the Mirror Theater in a former fish market, but lack of funding means a possible demolition. Max is attracted to Brazilian dancer Fulo (Angela Correa), who worries about her daughter back home. Amid political corruption and police brutality, Max's elderly colleague Enrique leads a protest for unpaid old-age pensions. The pensioners succeed in their demands, only to learn from a government official that no money is available to pay them.

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