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Tesla

Name: Tesla
Director: Michael Almereyda
Released: 2020
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

4.6/10

Fair

2020

PG-13

Director

Michael Almereyda

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tesla is a specialized character study that prioritizes psychological depth over broad demographic representation. It deconstructs the 'Great Man' myth through a subjective visual language that mirrors the protagonist's cognitive processes. While the film excels in portraying neurodivergent traits and critiquing capitalist institutions, it remains narrow in its social scope. The narrative is heavily anchored in a singular male experience, lacking multi-layered depth.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tesla have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters or explicitly challenge the assumption that everyone is straight. The story focuses on the protagonist's isolation and does not engage significantly with queer identity.

How does Tesla portray gender?

Limited

The story centers almost entirely on a single male protagonist. Female characters are on the periphery and have little influence over the main plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tesla?

Limited

Set in a historically specific, homogeneous early 20th-century New York, the film does not include diverse casting. It remains focused on a Western scientific tradition.

How does Tesla represent religion and culture?

Good

The film offers a sophisticated critique of capitalist structures and commercial exploitation. It highlights the tension between scientific ideals and profit as a central conflict.

Does Tesla include disability representation?

Good

The narrative provides a nuanced portrayal of neurodivergent behaviors and mental instability. These psychological struggles are integrated into the film's visual and structural elements.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced, non-mocking portrayal of neurodivergent behaviors and mental instability.
Offers a sophisticated critique of the relationship between scientific ideals and capitalist exploitation.
Uses a subjective visual language to effectively mirror the protagonist's internal cognitive processes.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant engagement with queer identity or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.
Female characters are sidelined and lack meaningful narrative ability to act.
Does not utilize diverse casting to challenge the social constraints of the historical period.

Official Synopsis

The story of the Promethean struggles of Nikola Tesla, as he attempts to transcend entrenched technology—including his own previous work—by pioneering a system of wireless energy that would change the world.

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