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The Manitou

Name: The Manitou
Director: William Girdler
Released: 1978
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

3.6/10

Limited

1978

Director

William Girdler

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Manitou follows the conventional structures of 1970s supernatural horror. It avoids modern complexities and relies on traditional genre clichés to advance its storyline. While the film incorporates Indigenous mysticism as a central element, it often uses these cultural components as atmospheric devices for horror. This approach tends to marginalize the spiritual elements rather than offering nuanced portrayals. Overall, the film upholds many period-specific hierarchies, particularly in how it depicts gender roles and physical conditions, which are primarily used to evoke dread.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Manitou have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The interpersonal dynamics focus solely on a traditional heterosexual couple.

How does The Manitou portray gender?

Limited

Female characters mainly serve as vessels for supernatural horror or companions to men. Although the lead undergoes a major physical change, it is portrayed through fear of bodily transformation rather than personal empowerment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Manitou?

Fair

Indigenous spiritual practices play a key role in the plot, but are often depicted through outdated 1970s clichés. The narrative often portrays shamanistic elements as a 'primitive' force opposing Western rational thought.

How does The Manitou represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story pits Western secularism against ancient spiritual beliefs. It presents Indigenous shamanism as a powerful force that can disrupt modern life.

Does The Manitou include disability representation?

Limited

A physical growth on the main character serves as a source of bodily horror. This condition is treated as a supernatural curse rather than a realistic portrayal of disability.

Present on Screen

Integrates Indigenous spiritualism as a central, powerful driver of the narrative conflict.
Challenges Western secular dominance by presenting ancient shamanism as a formidable force.

Limited or Absent

Depends heavily on traditional gender hierarchies where female characters often have limited influence.
Depicts Indigenous mysticism through 'primitive' clichés rather than nuanced characterization.
Uses physical conditions as horror catalysts rather than meaningful representations of disability.

Official Synopsis

A psychic's girlfriend finds out that a lump on her back is a growing reincarnation of a 400 year-old demonic Native American spirit.

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