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The Forbidden

Name: The Forbidden
Director: Clive Barker
Released: 1978
Duration: 36 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1978

Unrated

Director

Clive Barker

Runtime

36 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film's main theme is about breaking rules rather than showcasing diverse demographics. It questions established social and religious structures. Though it doesn't have clear representation, it shows an interest in exploring different perspectives. The story uses the Faustian myth to center on male intellectual pursuits, limiting the visibility of diverse gendered and non-straight-centered identities. This traditional framework highlights masculine power and individual choice over institutional norms. Ultimately, the film's importance lies in its early exploration of moral relativism, focusing on disrupting cosmic and institutional orders rather than promoting explicit social inclusion.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Forbidden have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't explicitly show LGBTQ+ identities, but it explores forbidden knowledge as a metaphor for queer experiences through subtle hints.

How does The Forbidden portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on male characters seeking power, with little shown about female characters taking charge or challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Forbidden?

Minimal

There isn't enough information to assess the racial makeup of the film's cast. No non-Anglo-Saxon characters are mentioned.

How does The Forbidden represent religion and culture?

Good

The film looks at secularism and personal freedom by using the Faustian legend, rejecting divine authority in favor of individual choice.

Does The Forbidden include disability representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't provide any specific details about characters with disabilities, either physical or cognitive differences.

Present on Screen

Questions traditional Western moral and religious hierarchies.
Examines personal ability to act and secularism through the Faustian myth.
Encourages thinking about established social and cultural norms.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Should provide more evidence of women's ability to drive the story and gendered power shifts.
Needs to document insights into racial and disability representation.

Official Synopsis

An early experimental short film based on Faust.

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