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Marathon

Name: Marathon
Director: Keith Strausbaugh, Anthony Guidubaldi
Released: 2021
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

2021

Director

Keith Strausbaugh, Anthony Guidubaldi

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Marathon operates as a conventional mockumentary that prioritizes character-driven comedy over social commentary. The story centers on the eccentricities of amateur athletes and the entrepreneurial struggles of a local business owner. The film lacks intentional markers of multi-layered subversion. It functions within a traditional framework, focusing on personal perseverance and community traditions rather than deconstructing cultural hierarchies or systemic social issues. Ultimately, the narrative remains grounded in a localized, commercial context. It does not appear to prioritize identity politics or challenge established social norms through its storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Marathon have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film doesn't provide clear information about the sexual orientation or gender identity of the runners or the organizer. The story focuses solely on athletic achievements and commercial interests.

How does Marathon portray gender?

Fair

The presence of five runners allows for potential diversity, but the plot is dominated by a male entrepreneur. The story emphasizes physical goals without challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Marathon?

Fair

The desert race setting provides an opportunity for diverse casting, but the film does not confirm characters of color with significant influence. It implies a potentially homogeneous, localized social environment.

How does Marathon represent religion and culture?

Fair

The conflict revolves around the survival of a shoe store and the tension between capitalism and community tradition. The narrative highlights the struggle to maintain Western institutions without critiquing them.

Does Marathon include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

The mockumentary format offers a unique perspective on human eccentricity and community character studies.
The focus on personal perseverance provides a relatable, character-driven narrative centered on athletic goals.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender arcs.
The narrative relies on traditional capitalist motivations without offering a critique of social or economic institutions.
There is a lack of confirmed influence for characters of color or diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Official Synopsis

An unprofessional documentary film crew follows five amateur runners as they train for Devil's Canyon Marathon, an offbeat desert race organized by Ed Clap, a desperate shoe store owner pulling out all the stops to celebrate its fifteenth year.

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