You are here:

The Smell of Success

Name: The Smell of Success
Director: Michael Polish
Released: 2011
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2011

PG-13

Director

Michael Polish

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels in subverting traditional gender roles by placing a female protagonist in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Rosemary's journey from cosmetics to manure sales showcases her professional determination and leadership skills. However, the film lacks broader representation of diverse identities, including racial, LGBTQ+, and disability perspectives. The narrative focuses primarily on a homogeneous demographic.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Smell of Success have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that question the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Smell of Success portray gender?

Fair

Rosemary challenges traditional gender roles by leading a male-dominated manure business. She has significant control over the story as she navigates a ruthless corporate world.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Smell of Success?

Limited

The film features a predominantly white cast and does not explore multi-layered racial complexities. There is no evidence of a diverse racial makeup.

How does The Smell of Success represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story examines the conflict between family traditions and predatory business practices. It highlights the struggle to maintain a private business against corporate interference.

Does The Smell of Success include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional gender roles by empowering a female protagonist in a male-dominated industry.
Focuses on a character-driven narrative centered on female leadership and intellect.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from broader representation of diverse identities, including racial, LGBTQ+, and disability perspectives.
The narrative could explore more diverse racial backgrounds and complexities.

Official Synopsis

When a tragic accident ends the life of Mr. Rose, the genius behind Rose's Manure Company, the livelihood of its loyal fleet of salesmen threatens to go, as they say, into the toilet. Enter estranged daughter Rosemary, a high-class- cosmetics salesgirl, who steps in to take control. She is not sure she has a nose for the family business, but she is determined to make foul into profit. Little does she know that a ruthless, slick-talking fertilizer rep is plotting a takeover. Whether she likes it or not, she must trust her top salesman, Patrick Fitzpatrick, to devise a plan to regain Rose's rightful position on top of the heap.

How are these scores produced? →