You are here:

Smart House

Name: Smart House
Director: LeVar Burton
Released: 1999
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1999

TV-G

Director

LeVar Burton

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Smart House presents a mixed landscape of representation. It succeeds by featuring a multi-ethnic family in a high-tech setting, moving away from the era's typical monolithic suburban depictions. However, the film remains tied to traditional structures, lacking LGBTQ+ representation and failing to address disability. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its exploration of the tension between institutional technology and personal autonomy through a cautionary sci-fi lens.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Smart House have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional family structure and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-conforming gender identities.

How does Smart House portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a traditional family unit where the conflict centers on parental authority rather than challenging gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Smart House?

Good

The film showcases a multi-ethnic family, breaking away from the monolithic suburban depictions common in the late 90s and integrating diversity into the American Dream theme.

How does Smart House represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story critiques consumerism and over-reliance on technology. The AI serves as a systemic force that undermines personal freedom and autonomy.

Does Smart House include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any prominent representations of visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it address neurodivergence or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

The multi-ethnic casting breaks from traditional, monolithic depictions of the American middle class.
The narrative offers a nuanced critique of how technology and consumerism can undermine individual autonomy.
LeVar Burton's direction emphasizes an intentional approach to inclusive storytelling within a commercial format.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or those with non-conforming gender identities.
The story adheres to traditional domestic archetypes without challenging gender roles.
There is no representation of disability, neurodivergence, or mental health conditions.

Official Synopsis

Ben Cooper and his family are struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can, until they eventually win the house (named Pat). After moving in, Pat's personality radically begins to change, turning the Coopers against her.

How are these scores produced? →