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The Pocketbook

Name: The Pocketbook
Director: Billy Woodberry
Released: 1980
Duration: 13 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1980

Director

Billy Woodberry

Runtime

13 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Billy Woodberry’s film challenges crime drama clichés by presenting a character-driven exploration of empathy instead of reductive 'delinquent' archetypes. By adapting Langston Hughes’ work, the film delves into Black literary traditions and systemic socioeconomic struggles. The narrative structure shifts power dynamics, placing a woman in a position of intellectual superiority over a vulnerable male protagonist. This approach challenges traditional institutional authority and punitive justice. While the film excels in racial and cultural authenticity, it lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities, leaving those dimensions unaddressed.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Pocketbook have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The story focuses mainly on the interactions between the main characters.

How does The Pocketbook portray gender?

Good

A maternal figure holds a position of authority and moral guidance over a male protagonist. This reverses traditional gender roles by placing the woman in a decisive and stable role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Pocketbook?

Excellent

The film centers around a Black experience by adapting Langston Hughes' work. It uses a creative team that prioritizes authentic racial perspectives over mainstream casting norms.

How does The Pocketbook represent religion and culture?

Good

The story presents a criminal act through the lens of situational ethics and systemic hardship. Jazz influences embed the work in a specific cultural identity that critiques standard narratives.

Does The Pocketbook include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centers Black literary traditions through the adaptation of Langston Hughes.
Reverses gender hierarchies by placing a woman in a position of moral authority.
Uses jazz influences to establish a distinct and authentic cultural identity.
Explores systemic poverty and situational ethics rather than relying on crime clichés.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible representation for LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
Absence of characters portraying physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the course of a botched purse-snatching, a boy comes to question the path of his life. Billy Woodberry’s second film, and first completed in 16mm, adapts Langston Hughes’ short story, Thank You, Ma’am, and features music by Leadbelly, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. (Ross Lipman)

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