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The Good Father

Name: The Good Father
Director: Mike Newell
Released: 1985
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1985

Director

Mike Newell

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film focuses on the social friction arising from the dismantling of traditional domestic structures, particularly through LGBTQ+ themes and the deconstruction of gender hierarchies. However, its narrow focus on a homogeneous British socioeconomic framework limits its exploration of identity. Ultimately, it portrays the tension between systemic norms and individual ability to act, even when viewed through a reactionary lens.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Good Father have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film centers on a legal battle triggered by a lesbian relationship, exploring the tensions between queer identities and the rigid social structures of the time.

How does The Good Father portray gender?

Fair

It examines the erosion of traditional patriarchal authority and the breakdown of the male-dominated household. The protagonist struggles to adapt to changing gender roles and dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Good Father?

Minimal

The setting reflects a homogeneous British society focused on class and domestic life, lacking significant racial or ethnic diversity.

How does The Good Father represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative critiques Western social institutions such as the nuclear family, presenting a conflict between traditional values and evolving personal identities through a lens of moral relativism.

Does The Good Father include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Engages directly with non-straight identities as a central plot catalyst.
Offers a nuanced look at the deconstruction of traditional patriarchal authority and masculinity.
Explores the complex friction between evolving personal identities and social institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a very homogeneous social environment.
Does not include characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
The perspective on gender dynamics is heavily influenced by a reactionary male viewpoint.

Official Synopsis

Bill is a man who's very bitter about his divorce and losing custody of his son. So, when one of his friends is being sued for divorce by his wife so that she can enter a lesbian relationship, Bill decides to help his friend gain custody of his son...in any way that they can devise, including using a sleazeball lawyer. But while Bill feels that feminism has robbed him of his family, he begins to be appalled at what he and Roger have done.

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