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An Artificial Reality

Name: An Artificial Reality
Director: Philip Gardiner
Released: 2018
Duration: 66 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2018

TV-MA

Director

Philip Gardiner

Runtime

66 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

An Artificial Reality is a dystopian speculative narrative that prioritizes a critique of systemic power over individual demographic representation. The film explores themes of technological hegemony and the erosion of autonomy through a 'Big Brother' archetype. While the work excels at deconstructing institutional authority and challenging conventional social orders, it remains a thematic exploration of oppression rather than a showcase of diverse identities. The narrative architecture favors a critique of the machine over specific character-driven diversity. Ultimately, the film's impact lies in its anti-authoritarian worldview. However, the lack of specific data regarding race, gender, or LGBTQ+ identities prevents a higher score for characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does An Artificial Reality have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not explicitly address gender identity or sexual orientation. The narrative emphasizes societal structures rather than relationships outside of straight and cisgender norms.

How does An Artificial Reality portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a struggle against a monolithic, controlling entity. While it hints at challenging patriarchal-style surveillance, specific character arcs are not detailed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is An Artificial Reality?

Limited

The plot describes a homogenized mass becoming one with a machine. This focus on collective existence lacks specific ethnic details or multi-layered depth.

How does An Artificial Reality represent religion and culture?

Good

The film offers a strong critique of centralized governance and traditional social order. It prioritizes psychological liberation over state-mandated stability and institutional respect.

Does An Artificial Reality include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The mention of a perpetual state of delusion does not provide enough evidence for intentional representation.

Present on Screen

Strong anti-authoritarian themes that challenge centralized governance.
Effective critique of technological surveillance and systemic social control.
Provocative exploration of psychological liberation against institutional corruption.

Limited or Absent

Lack of specific character-driven data regarding racial and ethnic diversity.
Absence of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Insufficient detail regarding neurodivergence or physical disability portrayals.

Official Synopsis

We live an illusionary existence in a world filled with lies. We remain in a perpetual state of delusion. Our perception of reality has been corrupted. Big Brother knows everything, manipulates our emotions, manipulates how we think and controls the masses. We willingly allowed it because we desired it. We have become one with the machine. It’s our ultimate nightmare, and it’s about to get much worse. We will no longer be human. This is your future, an artificial reality.

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