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The House by the Cemetery

Name: The House by the Cemetery
Director: Lucio Fulci
Released: 1981
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1981

Director

Lucio Fulci

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Lucio Fulci’s work emphasizes atmospheric horror and psychological fragmentation over sociopolitical commentary. While it challenges traditional ideas of authority and stable families, it adheres closely to established genre conventions. The narrative relies on the aesthetics of decay and the gothic tradition. It lacks the depth needed for a more inclusive representation of diverse social identities. Ultimately, the film explores madness and trauma in a visceral way. It focuses on the horror of the human condition rather than diverse social identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The House by the Cemetery have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The interpersonal dynamics focus on traditional, troubled heterosexual relationships and family structures.

How does The House by the Cemetery portray gender?

Fair

Women play key roles in the narrative, often through themes of trauma and haunting. However, they are frequently portrayed as vulnerable and victims, reinforcing gothic stereotypes.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The House by the Cemetery?

Minimal

The cast is mainly white and European, reflecting the film's setting. The story does not address racial diversity or use non-human metaphors for identity.

How does The House by the Cemetery represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film shows the breakdown of traditional Western family life and authority. Psychiatrists and other professionals are depicted as unstable, challenging conventional views of expertise.

Does The House by the Cemetery include disability representation?

Limited

Mental instability and psychological trauma are central to the story. These elements are used to create fear rather than offer nuanced depictions of neurodivergent experiences.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional authority by showing professionals as psychologically unstable.
Uses the female experience to explore gothic horror and trauma.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, focusing almost exclusively on a white European cast.
Uses mental health and neurodivergence primarily to create horror rather than nuanced identities.
Reinforces traditional gender stereotypes by centering female characters in roles of victimization.

Official Synopsis

After a doctor kills his mistress and himself while researching the mysterious previous owner of his Boston home, his colleague, Dr. Norman Boyle, takes over his studies and moves his family into the Boston mansion. Soon after, Boyle's young son Bob becomes plagued by visions of a young girl, who warns him of the danger within the house.

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