You are here:

Shooting Fish

Name: Shooting Fish
Director: Stefan Schwartz
Released: 1997
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

1997

Director

Stefan Schwartz

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Shooting Fish provides a nuanced look at romantic identity by placing a same-sex relationship at the heart of its crime-comedy structure. This elevates queer representation beyond minor subplots, offering a meaningful challenge to genre clichés. However, the film struggles with broader inclusivity. The cast lacks racial diversity, adhering to the homogeneous casting norms of 1990s London cinema. Additionally, gender hierarchies remain largely conventional, with male characters maintaining primary ability to act. Ultimately, the film succeeds in subverting moral and romantic expectations but falls short in providing a diverse range of racial or gendered perspectives.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Shooting Fish have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers a romantic relationship between two male protagonists, challenging traditional expectations. Same-sex intimacy is woven into the main storyline rather than relegated to a minor subplot.

How does Shooting Fish portray gender?

Fair

Gender dynamics in the film remain traditional, with the plot primarily driven by male characters. A female medical student serves as a catalyst, but the power dynamics still favor the male leads.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shooting Fish?

Limited

The cast is predominantly homogeneous, reflecting the standard casting practices of the time. The film focuses on a localized London setting without incorporating diverse casting.

How does Shooting Fish represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative uses moral relativism, presenting the protagonists' scams through situational ethics. This postmodern approach avoids traditional morality, viewing deception as a means to navigate complex social landscapes.

Does Shooting Fish include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of visible or invisible disabilities being central to character arcs or used as primary plot devices.

Present on Screen

Meaningful LGBTQ+ representation that integrates same-sex intimacy into the central romantic arc.
A postmodern approach to morality that uses situational ethics to explore character motivations.
Challenges traditional crime-comedy clichés by prioritizing character-driven, non-traditional social dynamics.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast and setting.
Traditional gender dynamics that favor men's control over the story and leadership roles.
Absence of representation regarding visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Two con artists hire an unwitting medical-school student as a secretary for their latest scam.

How are these scores produced? →