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Measure for Measure

Name: Measure for Measure
Director: Desmond Davis
Released: 1979
Duration: 145 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1979

Director

Desmond Davis

Runtime

145 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This adaptation of Shakespeare's text functions as a narrative deconstruction of authority. Despite its traditional demographic makeup, the film stands out by challenging systemic corruption and institutional rigidity. The production centers women's ability to drive the story through Isabella's intellectual confrontation of power, while also subverting traditional gender hierarchies. However, the film remains limited by the era's production standards, lacking in racial and LGBTQ+ breadth. Ultimately, the work prioritizes a critique of moral hypocrisy over modern inclusive casting.

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Category Breakdown

Does Measure for Measure have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on power dynamics centered around heterosexual relationships and lacks explicit depictions of same-sex intimacy or non-cisgender identities.

How does Measure for Measure portray gender?

Good

Isabella is the main character who uses her intelligence to challenge a patriarchal system. The film highlights the moral bankruptcy of male leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Measure for Measure?

Limited

The cast is primarily white, reflecting the production standards of the 1970s. There is no attempt to include actors of diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Measure for Measure represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the intersection between state laws and religious morality, highlighting the hypocrisy in traditional social orders.

Does Measure for Measure include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant depictions of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong centering of women's ability to drive the story through Isabella's intellectual and rhetorical confrontation of power.
Effective subversion of traditional gender hierarchies by exposing male leadership as hypocritical.
Sophisticated critique of the intersection between state law and religious institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the cast.
Minimal representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender perspectives.
Absence of depictions regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

When the Duke of Vienna takes a mysterious leave of absence and leaves the strict Angelo in charge, things couldn't be worse for Claudio, who is sentenced to death for premarital sex. His sister, Isabella (a nun-in-training), however, is a very persuasive pleader. She goes to Angelo, but instead of freeing her brother, she gets an offer from Angelo to save Claudio's life if Isabella sleeps with him. The only sympathetic friend Isabella has is a priest who, in actuality, is the Duke in disguise...and he has a plan.

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