You are here:

The Money Jungle

Name: The Money Jungle
Director: Francis D. Lyon
Released: 1967
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1967

Director

Francis D. Lyon

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a vital historical document that centers Black intellectual and creative leadership. By focusing on the improvisational genius of Duke Ellington and his orchestra, it provides a platform for Black ability to act that transcends mid-century clichés. However, the work lacks diversity. The focus on the male-dominated jazz ensemble results in low representation for women and LGBTQ+ identities, reflecting the sociological constraints of the era. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its ability to elevate Black musical tradition to a level of sophistication that challenges traditional Western structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Money Jungle have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the professional musical environment of the jazz era and does not include any explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or narratives related to sexual identity.

How does The Money Jungle portray gender?

Limited

The narrative reflects a mid-20th-century jazz scene that was predominantly male-dominated. It lacks significant women's ability to drive the story or challenges to traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Money Jungle?

Excellent

The work serves as a profound archive of Black excellence by centering Duke Ellington. It presents Black musicians as primary drivers of the artistic narrative, challenging historical narratives.

How does The Money Jungle represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary provides a nuanced look at Black cultural identity through high art. It elevates Black musical traditions to challenge prevailing social hierarchies and cultural gatekeeping.

Does The Money Jungle include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence that disability or neurodivergence are central to the narrative. These themes are not used as plot devices within the film.

Present on Screen

Provides a profound archive of Black excellence and creative leadership.
Centers the ability to act and intellectual autonomy of Black musicians.
Challenges social hierarchies by elevating Black musical traditions to high art.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant women's ability to drive the story or representation within the narrative.
Provides no explicit depictions of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.

Official Synopsis

When four geologists who form a combine of five industrial companies turn up dead, the race is on to determine whether the culprit is a group of high-powered industrial interests or the government. A trouble-shooter is hired to find a net of deadly intrigue and treachery. The prize: a field to be leased to private industry by the state.

How are these scores produced? →