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This Way Up

Name: This Way Up
Director: Alan Smith, Adam Foulkes
Released: 2008
Duration: 9 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

2008

Director

Alan Smith, Adam Foulkes

Runtime

9 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This Academy Award-nominated animated short emphasizes technical skill and physical comedy over social commentary. The story follows two undertakers dealing with chaos after a boulder crushes their hearse. While the film effectively mocks the solemnity of funerals through dark humor, it does not engage with progressive themes or explore diverse identities. Instead, it focuses on the relationship and situational irony of the characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does This Way Up have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-binary identities. The narrative focuses solely on the comedic journey of the undertakers.

How does This Way Up portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around two undertakers described as an 'odd couple.' Their specific genders are not specified, maintaining a neutral stance on gender representation.

How racially and ethnically diverse is This Way Up?

Minimal

The racial or ethnic backgrounds of the main characters are not mentioned. The plot emphasizes physical challenges and the cross-country trip rather than demographic diversity.

How does This Way Up represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film employs dark humor to challenge the seriousness of the Western funeral industry. It uses standard comedic elements to mock traditional mourning practices.

Does This Way Up include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There is no indication of neurodivergent representation either.

Present on Screen

High level of technical skill and narrative construction.
Effective mocking of the serious nature of the funeral industry.
Strong emphasis on character-driven situational comedy.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible racial or ethnic diversity among the characters.
Absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-binary identities.
No depiction of characters with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions.

Official Synopsis

A.T Shank & Son have a bad day at the parlor when a falling boulder flattens their hearse. Emotional and literal pitfalls lie in wait for the odd couple as they make their way cross country with just a coffin for company. This short animated caper puts the fun back into funeral as their journey and relationship unravel on an epic scale.

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