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Big Business

Name: Big Business
Director: Jim Abrahams
Released: 1988
Duration: 97 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1988

Director

Jim Abrahams

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Big Business is a classic late-20th-century comedy that emphasizes broad physical humor and the 'mistaken identity' cliché over social commentary. It functions as a typical commercial product of its time, reinforcing conventional social structures through situational absurdity. The narrative structure does not aim to challenge traditional hierarchies or explore multiple aspects of identity. Instead, it relies on slapstick and linguistic absurdity, lacking a commitment to progressive systemic critique. Ultimately, the film stays within a conventional comedic framework, focusing on socioeconomic class confusion rather than engaging with contemporary progressive values or diverse identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does Big Business have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional straight-centered structures and does not include any non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Big Business portray gender?

Limited

Male characters dominate the slapstick humor, while female characters are mostly in supporting roles, reinforcing mid-century gender norms.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Big Business?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, typical of 1980s mainstream comedies. The narrative explores class-based confusion rather than racial or ethnic diversity.

How does Big Business represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film examines class disparity through a 'rich vs. poor' storyline, serving as an escapist farce rather than a critical look at capitalism.

Does Big Business include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature characters with disabilities and uses physical clumsiness as a comedic device, which can trivialize physical impairments.

Present on Screen

Uses the 'mistaken identity' cliché to disrupt corporate hierarchies through comedic chaos.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant roles for female characters, relegating them to secondary or supporting roles.
Does not address queer identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Relies on physical clumsiness for humor, which lacks nuanced portrayals of disability.
Features a homogeneous cast that does not represent racial and ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

In the 1940s in the small town of Jupiter Hollow, two sets of identical twins are born in the same hospital on the same night. One set to a poor local family and the other to a rich family just passing through. The dizzy nurse on duty accidentally mixes the twins unbeknown to the parents. Our story flashes forward to the 1980s where the mismatched sets of twins are about to cross paths.

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