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Being Pretty

Name: Being Pretty
Director: David James Armsby
Released: 2017
Duration: 3 min

Representation Score

6.0/10

Good

2017

Director

David James Armsby

Runtime

3 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Being Pretty presents a stark, animated dystopia where citizens are sorted by physical appearance. The narrative relies on a binary classification of "pretty" and "ugly" to drive its social commentary. This structure allows for a clear critique of superficial societal standards without complex character backstories. The film’s strength lies in its accessibility and direct thematic focus. By removing specific racial, gender, or disability identifiers, it keeps the audience’s attention on the abstract concept of exclusion. The institutional voice of Autodale reinforces the feeling of systemic control over individual identity. However, the short format limits the depth of exploration. Without detailed character backgrounds or specific consequences of exclusion, the emotional impact remains surface-level. The work serves as a concise visual metaphor rather than a deep character study.

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Category Breakdown

Does Being Pretty have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The short contains no LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex romance. The plot centers on physical appearance and social exclusion rather than identity-based relationships. No romantic or familial bonds defined by sexual orientation are depicted.

How does Being Pretty portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles are not the primary focus of the story. The film centers on a societal hierarchy based on looks. Men and women are treated similarly regarding the "pretty" versus "ugly" distinction.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Being Pretty?

Fair

The cast is not specified in the available context. The story uses "pretty" and "ugly" as the dividing lines. No specific racial or ethnic groups are identified or stereotyped in the provided summary.

How does Being Pretty represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques a dystopian society that values superficial beauty. It questions social norms and institutional control over citizens. The narrative frames the "ugly" as victims of a rigid, unjust system.

Does Being Pretty include disability representation?

Limited

No characters with physical or mental disabilities are explicitly identified. The concept of "ugliness" may imply physical differences, but it is not framed as a disability. No specific conditions are portrayed or discussed.

Present on Screen

Clearly defines a dystopian hierarchy based on appearance.
Raises questions about societal standards of beauty.
Simple, accessible narrative for a short film.

Limited or Absent

Lacks specific details on character identities or backgrounds.
Does not explore the consequences of the exclusion in depth.
Limited scope due to the short film format.

Official Synopsis

Hello, citizens of Autodale! You are pretty. Your neighbours, friends and family are also pretty. But sadly, not everyone is pretty. Some are ugly… We, here at Autodale, do not want “uglies”.

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