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Laserblast

Name: Laserblast
Director: Michael Rae
Released: 1978
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

1.2/10

Minimal

1978

Director

Michael Rae

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Laserblast is a low-budget genre film that emphasizes visceral spectacle over social complexity. The narrative focuses almost entirely on a male protagonist's descent into chaos after discovering a dangerous artifact, leaving little room for diverse character development. The film adheres to traditional 1970s genre clichés, resulting in a homogeneous cast and a lack of layered representation. While it disrupts social stability through the protagonist's anti-social behavior, this serves the plot rather than a progressive ideological critique. Ultimately, the film operates within a narrow, traditional framework that lacks intentional consideration of gender, race, or disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Laserblast have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. It stays within a traditional social setting that avoids engaging with queer themes.

How does Laserblast portray gender?

Limited

The story centers around a single male protagonist. Female characters are minor and have little influence on the main conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Laserblast?

Limited

The casting reflects a homogeneous, white-centric environment typical of small-town settings. There is no indication of racial diversity or varied ethnic viewpoints.

How does Laserblast represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film portrays a breakdown of community and family structures through the protagonist's vigilantism. However, it does not critically examine Western institutions.

Does Laserblast include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Characters are portrayed as fully able-bodied.

Present on Screen

The film deconstructs social stability through the protagonist's chaotic loss of innocence.
It offers a relativistic view of morality as the character's actions are driven by newfound power.

Limited or Absent

Female characters lack meaningful influence on the main action.
The film lacks racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ diversity in its casting and narrative.
There is no engagement with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Happy go-lucky teen Billy Duncan discovers an otherworldly laser gun in the southern California desert, making him the target of a pair of aliens who had recently executed its previous owner.

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