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Cleaner

Name: Cleaner
Director: Renny Harlin
Released: 2007
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

2007

Director

Renny Harlin

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cleaner is a genre-driven thriller that explores themes through deconstruction rather than broad social representation. While it overlooks several key demographics, it excels in subverting expectations via its central casting and institutional critique. The film's strength lies in its portrayal of a Black protagonist navigating and challenging a corrupt, monolithic corporate hierarchy, providing a layer of social commentary. However, it remains limited by its reliance on traditional masculine archetypes and a lack of engagement with LGBTQ+ or disability representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cleaner have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters, sticking to a traditional framework that doesn't address queer identities.

How does Cleaner portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male protagonist who drives the plot, reinforcing traditional masculine leadership and gendered clichés.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cleaner?

Good

Samuel L. Jackson brings meaningful representation as a Black man, navigating a predominantly white corporate environment and challenging its homogeneity.

How does Cleaner represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques Western institutions by highlighting the intersection of capitalism and legal corruption, portraying corporations as predatory and inherently flawed.

Does Cleaner include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any significant depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities, avoiding disability as a central theme.

Present on Screen

The casting of Samuel L. Jackson gives a Black protagonist significant influence in a predominantly white corporate setting.
The narrative provides a sharp critique of capitalist misconduct and the corruption within Western legal institutions.

Limited or Absent

The film leans heavily on traditional masculine leadership and gendered clichés typical of the crime genre.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or characters exploring non-straight relationships.
The story lacks any meaningful depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Single father and former cop Tom Cutler has an unusual occupation: he cleans up death scenes. But when he's called in to sterilize a wealthy suburban residence after a brutal shooting, Cutler is shocked to learn he may have unknowingly erased crucial evidence, entangling himself in a dirty criminal cover-up.

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