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The Bandit

Name: The Bandit
Director: Jesse Moss
Released: 2016
Duration: 82 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

2016

Director

Jesse Moss

Runtime

82 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Bandit is a specialized biographical documentary that highlights the professional bond between Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham. It focuses on the 'buddy' archetype, emphasizing loyalty and creative collaboration. The film upholds traditional views of masculine camaraderie and the classic Hollywood success story. Given its focus on a historically homogeneous demographic, it does not aim to challenge conventional social expectations or promote diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Bandit have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the close friendship and professional relationship between Reynolds and Needham. It follows traditional assumptions about straight relationships and does not include diverse LGBTQ+ identities.

How does The Bandit portray gender?

Limited

The story emphasizes masculine roles such as action stars and stuntmen. It does not give much importance to women's roles, focusing instead on the traditional masculinity of the 1970s action genre.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Bandit?

Limited

The documentary shows an industry dominated by white, Anglo-Saxon individuals. It reflects a time in Hollywood history when leading action roles were mostly filled by white actors.

How does The Bandit represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film highlights American pop culture and the Hollywood studio system. It treats the 'outlaw' character as a cinematic tradition rather than a means for social critique.

Does The Bandit include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of disabilities that play a central role in this biographical study.

Present on Screen

Offers an intimate look at the close relationship between Reynolds and Needham.
Includes rare archival material and personal footage capturing the essence of 1970s Hollywood stardom.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide significant roles for women within the narrative.
Focuses on a historically homogeneous demographic with limited racial or LGBTQ+ diversity.

Official Synopsis

THE BANDIT is a film about 70s superstar Burt Reynolds, his best friend, roommate and stunt-double Hal Needham, and the making of their unlikely smash-hit SMOKEY & THE BANDIT. The film tells the action-packed story of the making of SMOKEY, while tracing the vivid personal journeys of Reynolds and Needham from obscurity to stardom and highlighting one of the most extraordinary relationships in Hollywood history. Featuring new interviews with Reynolds, rare archive material, including footage from Reynolds’ personal archive, as well as candid interviews with the late Hal Needham, the documentary tells an exhilarating and moving story about loyalty, friendship and creative risk.

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