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The Fall

Name: The Fall
Director: Daniel Gordon
Released: 2016
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2016

Director

Daniel Gordon

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film 'Fall' stands out as a documentary that challenges typical sports narratives by highlighting underrepresented perspectives. It goes beyond just athletic success to explore how identity intersects with global politics. The film's key strength lies in its layered approach, particularly in using the historical context of apartheid to question the uniformity of Olympic history. By focusing on two women, it shifts the traditionally male-focused lens of sports heroism. However, the film does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or portrayals of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Fall have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit mention of LGBTQ+ characters or stories that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The main focus is on the athletic achievements and political journeys of the two main subjects.

How does The Fall portray gender?

Good

The documentary highlights the role of women in a male-dominated world of professional sports. It showcases the personal sacrifices and dedication of two women competing in the 1984 Olympics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Fall?

Excellent

The film provides a layered look at how race intersects with global politics by comparing a Black South African runner during apartheid with an American athlete. This comparison helps explore the power dynamics and systemic oppression faced by both athletes.

How does The Fall represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The movie questions Western institutions and the intertwined nature of politics and media. It looks at the exploitation in the 1984 Olympic landscape by breaking down geopolitical hierarchies.

Does The Fall include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not show any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There are no specific themes or characters related to disability in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Layered insights through the contrast of apartheid-era South Africa and American athletics.
Highlights the role of women in a male-dominated sporting environment.
Offers a critical look at Western political and media institutions.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent or focus on LGBTQ+ identities.
Lacks any depiction or discussion of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The Fall tells the remarkable story of a South African barefoot runner, an American track-and-field prodigy, and the events behind one of the most memorable moments in sporting history – the 1984 LA Olympics. The film charts two journeys, from rural South Africa under apartheid and the rolling hills of Southern California, to the starting line of the women’s 3,000 metres. It uncovers a tale of betrayal and exploitation, of the blurred lines between politics, media and sport, and of the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level. It’s a story that split governments and divided nations, but at its heart is a tale of two young women who, despite the turmoil in their lives, just wanted to run.

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