You are here:

The Touchables

Name: The Touchables
Director: Robert Freeman
Released: 1968
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

1968

Director

Robert Freeman

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film 'The Touchables' uses speculative fiction to explore social stratification and exclusion. By employing the metaphor of 'Touchables' versus 'Untouchables,' the film creates a powerful allegory for physical differences and systemic exclusion. While the film is conceptually progressive in its critique of social hierarchies, it remains limited by the era's constraints. The lack of LGBTQ+ visibility and the reliance on traditional gender stereotypes moderate its overall impact. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a symbolic exploration of the 'other,' using biological differences to mirror real-world segregation and the tension between the normal and the underrepresented.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Touchables have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships. It focuses mainly on heterosexual relationships and conflicts.

How does The Touchables portray gender?

Limited

Gender roles shift between traditional stereotypes and bold challenges. Female characters play key roles through kidnapping scenarios, but there is little indication of sustained empowerment.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Touchables?

Fair

The film showcases a diverse range of racial backgrounds, which was progressive for its 1968 release. The central theme of social classes serves as an allegory for systemic racial exclusion.

How does The Touchables represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques established social structures by depicting a conflict between different classes. It challenges traditional institutions by presenting normality as a subjective and contested idea.

Does The Touchables include disability representation?

Good

The distinction between 'Touchables' and 'Untouchables' serves as a sophisticated metaphor for physical differences. This centers the narrative on the lived experience of social stratification.

Present on Screen

Employs a sophisticated metaphor for physical differences and neurodivergence through its central social divide.
Features a diverse racial cast that was progressive for its 1968 release context.
Challenges traditional social hierarchies and the stability of established institutions through its narrative structure.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.
Gender roles rely heavily on period-specific stereotypes rather than sustained subversion of hierarchies.
Fails to provide significant evidence of diverse gender empowerment or dialogue.

Official Synopsis

British rock star with a love-'em-and-leave-'em reputation. The tables are turned when four cute young girls kidnap the singer. After several days of sex and degradation, the poor fellow is rescued by his friends.

How are these scores produced? →