You are here:

Au Bonheur des Dames

Name: Au Bonheur des Dames
Director: Julien Duvivier
Released: 1930
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1930

Director

Julien Duvivier

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Au Bonheur des Dames is a period drama that prioritizes thematic critique over demographic variety. While it lacks LGBTQ+ and racial diversity due to its 19th-century setting, it excels in cultural commentary. The film uses its setting to challenge the rise of industrial capitalism and the corrosive nature of modern commerce. The narrative also provides a progressive look at gender by centering on female resilience. By framing the proprietor's power as predatory, the film challenges traditional patriarchal models of leadership. Ultimately, the film's value lies in its critique of Western economic structures rather than its representation of underrepresented identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Au Bonheur des Dames have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film explores socioeconomic and romantic tensions within a 19th-century Parisian setting. It does not depict non-straight identities or challenge the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does Au Bonheur des Dames portray gender?

Good

Denise is shown as an active participant in her own survival rather than a passive household figure. The film also critiques traditional male authority through the predatory behavior of Octave Mouret.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Au Bonheur des Dames?

Minimal

The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of 19th-century France. While it lacks diverse representation, it aligns with the socio-historical context of the French bourgeoisie and working class.

How does Au Bonheur des Dames represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative offers a sophisticated critique of industrial capitalism and its predatory nature. It portrays the department store as a disruptive force that diminishes human connections and traditional commerce.

Does Au Bonheur des Dames include disability representation?

Limited

The story centers on class struggle and economic survival. There is no specific evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities being featured as central agents or subjects.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of industrial capitalism and its impact on community commerce.
Centers the narrative on female resilience within a professional landscape.
Challenges traditional masculine authority by portraying corporate power as predatory and destabilizing.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
Reflects the demographic homogeneity of its era with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not feature characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Denise, an orphaned girl, moves to Paris where she hopes to find work at her uncle's store. But the glamorous department store 'Aux Bonheur des Dames' across the street crushes all the little businesses around. She finds a position there.

How are these scores produced? →