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Good Luck

Name: Good Luck
Director: Ben Russell
Released: 2017
Duration: 143 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2017

Director

Ben Russell

Runtime

143 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Ben Russell’s documentary functions as a systemic critique rather than a character study. It avoids the pitfalls of traditional travelogues by deconstructing the observer/observed relationship and challenging the authority of the Western gaze. The film's strength lies in its geographic displacement, moving between Serbia and Suriname to highlight global inequality. This approach provides a sophisticated look at how economic turmoil affects diverse populations outside of Western-centric frameworks. However, the abstract and non-linear nature of the essay film means it lacks explicit identity-based markers. While it avoids reinforcing traditional hierarchies, it does not provide specific representation for LGBTQ+ or disabled individuals.

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Category Breakdown

Does Good Luck have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

While the film doesn't explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities, it avoids traditional storytelling structures that reinforce rigid heterosexual norms.

How does Good Luck portray gender?

Fair

The film focuses on atmosphere rather than masculine themes of conquest, distributing influence across various characters and settings instead of following typical gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Good Luck?

Good

By focusing on Suriname's illegal mining collectives, the film shifts attention away from Anglo-centric views, engaging with non-Western landscapes and critiquing Western-centric documentary approaches.

How does Good Luck represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques global economic structures, showing how local survival strategies contrast with institutional capitalism, highlighting the instability caused by these systems.

Does Good Luck include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's structure.

Present on Screen

Challenges Western-centric documentary perspectives by centering non-Western landscapes and socioeconomic realities.
Provides a sophisticated critique of global capitalism and institutional economic structures.
Avoids traditional male clichés of conquest through its atmospheric and philosophical narrative.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy.
Provides no significant evidence or representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The abstract, non-linear structure makes quantifying specific gendered power dynamics difficult.

Official Synopsis

A visceral non-fiction portrait of hope and sacrifice in a time of global economic turmoil, filmed between a large-scale underground mine in post-war Serbia and an illegal mining collective in the tropical heat of Suriname.

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