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Of Time, Tombs and Treasures

Name: Of Time, Tombs and Treasures
Director: James R. Messenger
Released: 1977
Duration: 29 min

Representation Score

0.7/10

Minimal

1977

Director

James R. Messenger

Runtime

29 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary serves as a traditional account of archaeological discovery. It prioritizes the celebration of Western scientific achievement and historical preservation through an academic lens. The narrative structure centers around the perspective of the 'discoverer,' highlighting Anglo-American figures like J. Carter Brown and Howard Carter. This approach reinforces mid-20th-century colonial storytelling clichés by positioning Western scholars as the primary drivers of history in an Egyptian setting. Ultimately, the film lacks perspectives reflecting multiple aspects of identity. It adheres to conventional exploratory narratives of its era, focusing on institutional authority rather than social deconstruction or diverse representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Of Time, Tombs and Treasures have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses solely on archaeological history and Howard Carter's life, with no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight identities.

How does Of Time, Tombs and Treasures portray gender?

Limited

Men hold nearly all the key roles in the film, including the host and Howard Carter. The movie emphasizes a traditional masculine perspective on exploration, leaving women largely out of investigative roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Of Time, Tombs and Treasures?

Limited

Set in Egypt, the narrative focuses mainly on Western explorers and institutions. It follows colonial-era clichés where Anglo-American scholars dominate the story in non-Western settings.

How does Of Time, Tombs and Treasures represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film highlights Western institutional authority and scientific methods. It celebrates the legacy of established academic institutions without offering systemic or cultural critiques.

Does Of Time, Tombs and Treasures include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature individuals with visible or invisible disabilities. It does not engage with neurodivergence or physical impairments within the historical or present-day context.

Present on Screen

Provides a detailed, academic look at the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
Offers a clear, pedagogical guide to historical archaeological investigation.

Limited or Absent

Lacks gender diversity, centering almost entirely on male explorers and academics.
Reinforces colonial-era clichés by centering Western perspectives over Egyptian viewpoints.
Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or disability.

Official Synopsis

The Academy Award nominated documentary short subject "OF TIME, TOMBS, AND TREASURE: The Treasures of Tutankhamun" tells the story of the discovery of the now-legendary tomb of the Pharoah Tutankamun. J. Carter Brown, Director of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., serves as the on-camera host and takes viewers to Egypt to follow in the footsteps of archaeologist Howard Carter as he traces the clues to a hidden tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Kings.

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