You are here:

Joe Macbeth

Name: Joe Macbeth
Director: Ken Hughes
Released: 1955
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1955

Director

Ken Hughes

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Joe Macbeth is a period-specific crime drama that emphasizes traditional tragic themes over diverse representation. Its strength lies in Lily Macbeth's active role in driving the narrative. However, the film adheres closely to mid-century genre conventions. The absence of racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, along with a homogeneous social environment, narrows its scope. Ultimately, the film presents a tragedy of individual morality through a traditional lens, focusing on personal flaws rather than systemic issues.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Joe Macbeth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual marriage dynamics. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Joe Macbeth portray gender?

Good

Lily Macbeth challenges mid-century stereotypes by actively driving the story's conflicts. She is not a passive character but a key force in the narrative.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Joe Macbeth?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the era's limited diversity in cinema. Characters of color are not given significant roles or ability to act.

How does Joe Macbeth represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the corruption of power and the breakdown of social order. It looks at crime as a tragic path to social mobility without criticizing systemic issues.

Does Joe Macbeth include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities among the main or supporting characters.

Present on Screen

Lily Macbeth plays a significant role in driving the story, subverting the stereotype of the passive woman.
The narrative effectively updates Shakespearean power dynamics for a modern noir setting.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks racial and ethnic diversity, featuring a predominantly white cast.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth gender expressions.
The story does not include any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Lily Macbeth pushes her husband Joe to rub out the reigning crime boss and become the new kingpin himself. Success is short-lived, however, as he confronts Lennie, a mobster whose father and wife were Joe's murder victims.

How are these scores produced? →