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The Woodpecker

Name: The Woodpecker
Director: Jerzy Gruza
Released: 1971
Duration: 86 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

1971

Director

Jerzy Gruza

Runtime

86 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Woodpecker serves as a character study of mid-century social transgressions. While it avoids presenting an idealized version of marriage, the narrative remains anchored in traditional interpersonal conflicts and conventional demographic frameworks. The film lacks complexity in addressing multiple aspects of identity and does not intentionally broaden its demographic scope. It primarily explores the friction between individual impulses and societal expectations through a narrow lens of heterosexual infidelity. Ultimately, the production reflects the homogeneous social landscape of its era, offering little in the way of diverse representation or systemic social deconstruction.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Woodpecker have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on heterosexual marriages and does not include any queer themes or non-straight identities. There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ representation.

How does The Woodpecker portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around masculine-driven actions and the pursuit of desire through an extramarital affair. It operates within traditional gender roles and power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Woodpecker?

Limited

The film likely reflects a homogeneous social environment typical of 1971 Poland. There is no indication of a multi-ethnic cast or diverse racial representation.

How does The Woodpecker represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative disrupts the idealized nuclear family by exploring marital instability. It examines personal transgressions rather than systemic institutional critiques.

Does The Woodpecker include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding the inclusion or portrayal of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges the 'stable husband' cliché by showing domestic disruption and infidelity.
Explores the nuances of social mores and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Limited or Absent

Lacks complexity in addressing multiple aspects of identity and does not broaden its demographic scope.
Operates within traditional gender and orientation frameworks without including queer themes.
Reflects a homogeneous social environment with little racial or ethnic diversity.

Official Synopsis

A man approaching middle age gets more than he bargained for when he tries having an extramarital affair while his wife is away.

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