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Remote Control

Name: Remote Control
Director: Jeff Lieberman
Released: 1988
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1988

Director

Jeff Lieberman

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Remote Control is a genre-driven critique of media saturation that prioritizes psychological tension over social representation. Its strength lies in its postmodern deconstruction of traditional social structures and the stability of the nuclear family. However, the film fails to provide meaningful multi-layered depth. It relies on a homogeneous cast and lacks any intentional representation of underrepresented identities, including LGBTQ+ or multi-ethnic characters. Ultimately, the film's progressive qualities are found in its skepticism toward media institutions rather than in its commitment to diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Remote Control have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. It centers on a traditional nuclear family unit without engaging with non-straight relationships.

How does Remote Control portray gender?

Fair

The narrative breaks down traditional authority figures through psychological horror, destabilizing the 'strong leader' archetype. However, it does not intentionally challenge gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Remote Control?

Limited

The cast appears relatively homogeneous, typical of 1980s genre cinema. There is no evidence of racial diversity or non-white protagonists driving the plot.

How does Remote Control represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques mass media's influence and the breakdown of social cohesion. It challenges the sanctity of Western institutions like the family unit through a postmodern perspective.

Does Remote Control include disability representation?

Limited

Themes of psychological instability are present, but mental health issues are used as a horror cliché. Characters have limited control over their situations, and distress serves mainly as a plot device.

Present on Screen

Provides a postmodern critique of mass media's influence on social cohesion.
Challenges traditional social orders by deconstructing the stability of the nuclear family.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial diversity and meaningful multi-ethnic representation.
Does not include identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or storylines.
Uses psychological distress as a horror cliché rather than providing nuanced disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A video store clerk stumbles onto an alien plot to take over earth by brainwashing people with a bad '50s science fiction movie. He and his friends race to stop the aliens before the tapes can be distributed world-wide.

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