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Gleaming the Cube

Name: Gleaming the Cube
Director: Graeme Clifford
Released: 1989
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1989

PG-13

Director

Graeme Clifford

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Gleaming the Cube is a product of its time, functioning as a typical action-thriller that aligns with the social and demographic norms of the late 1980s. The film leans on genre clichés and male-centric narratives without delving into multi-layered identities or disrupting social hierarchies. Representation is sparse throughout the film. The cast is primarily white, and the story does not engage with LGBTQ+ identities or disability. The film upholds established cinematic conventions without challenging them. Overall, the work serves as a conventional genre piece. It focuses on the mechanics of its crime-thriller plot without offering depth through diverse perspectives or underrepresented voices.

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Category Breakdown

Does Gleaming the Cube have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters and stays away from exploring non-straight relationships. It follows a traditional storyline that doesn't engage with queer themes.

How does Gleaming the Cube portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male lead and upholds traditional gender roles. Female characters play minor roles and have limited influence over the plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Gleaming the Cube?

Limited

The cast is mostly white, reflecting the demographic makeup of late-80s action films. There are no diverse characters driving the main plot.

How does Gleaming the Cube represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film uses typical clichés like a greedy corporate villain. It does not offer a sustained critique of systemic issues or question Western values.

Does Gleaming the Cube include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. The characters' stories do not address neurodiversity or physical disabilities.

Present on Screen

The film offers a superficial critique of institutional power through the use of the greedy corporation antagonist cliché.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
The casting is demographically homogeneous and lacks racial diversity.
Female characters lack ability to act and are relegated to supporting roles.
The narrative fails to challenge traditional gendered archetypes or masculine leadership models.

Official Synopsis

An Orange County teenager's carefree life of ditching class and skateboarding abandoned pools comes to a screeching halt when someone close to him dies. The cops rule the death a suicide, but the bereaved skater believes he was murdered. It's up to him to solve the case, with a skateboard.

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