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Justine

Name: Justine
Director: Stewart Mackinnon
Released: 1976
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

5.2/10

Fair

1976

Director

Stewart Mackinnon

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Stewart Mackinnon’s adaptation of De Sade’s work examines moral relativism and the breakdown of Western ethics. Using a tableau format, the film avoids typical moralizing, instead critiquing systemic corruption and predatory institutional power. While the film effectively challenges traditional gender hierarchies and patriarchal stability, it remains confined by its historical context. Its narrative structure is deeply rooted in a specific European perspective, limiting its racial and ethnic diversity. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its choice to prioritize subjective morality over traditional virtues, offering a progressive view of human behavior despite its demographic limitations.

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Category Breakdown

Does Justine have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores themes from De Sade’s queer literature, disrupting traditional assumptions about sexuality. However, its portrayal may focus more on voyeurism than celebration.

How does Justine portray gender?

Good

It centers on a female character who navigates oppressive power dynamics. The film challenges traditional gender roles by depicting patriarchal structures as chaotic and exploitative.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Justine?

Limited

The film reflects the demographic norms of the late 1970s, focusing on a historically specific and likely homogeneous Western setting based on European literary traditions.

How does Justine represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film uses non-dramatic scenes to critique religious and social institutions. It avoids traditional moral stories, instead showing institutional power as inherently harmful.

Does Justine include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no clear depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender hierarchies through a complex female protagonist.
Criticizes religious and social institutions using moral relativism.
Subverts conventional morality with a non-dramatic tableau format.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting 1970s demographic norms.
Does not represent physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
May emphasize voyeuristic views of non-normative sexuality over celebratory themes.

Official Synopsis

A series of non-dramatic tableaux representing scenes from De Sade's novel.

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