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A Field in England

Name: A Field in England
Director: Ben Wheatley
Released: 2013
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.8/10

Limited

2013

Director

Ben Wheatley

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Field in England examines social and psychological fragmentation. While it falls short in demographic diversity, it excels in its subversive approach to cultural norms and authority. The film's key strength lies in its postmodernist deconstruction of the 'civilized' subject. It replaces structured societal values with a fragmented, anti-authoritarian reality that challenges traditional morality. However, the lack of gender, racial, and LGBTQ+ diversity narrows the film's social perspective. The narrative remains confined to a homogeneous, male-centric environment that limits its broader impact.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Field in England have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore queer identities. It stays within a strictly heterosexual context that does not question traditional gender roles.

How does A Field in England portray gender?

Limited

The cast is predominantly male, excluding female perspectives. This focus prevents the narrative from exploring gender power dynamics or giving females a leading role.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Field in England?

Minimal

The film features a mostly white, English male cast. Despite being set in the 17th century, the story does not incorporate diverse casting practices or symbolic diversity.

How does A Field in England represent religion and culture?

Good

The film effectively dismantles Western institutions and authority. It shows the breakdown of social structures and replaces traditional morality with a chaotic, relativistic worldview focused on survival.

Does A Field in England include disability representation?

Limited

Drug-induced psychosis and madness are used to explore neurodivergence. However, these conditions serve primarily as plot devices for violence rather than offering a nuanced portrayal of neurodivergent experiences.

Present on Screen

Effective deconstruction of traditional Western institutions and state authority.
Strong portrayal of moral relativism and the collapse of social cohesion.
Surrealist approach that challenges conventional perceptions of reality.

Limited or Absent

Lack of gender diversity and women's ability to drive the story within the narrative.
Absence of LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Minimal racial and ethnic diversity in the character casting.

Official Synopsis

During the Civil War in 17th-Century England, a small group of deserters flee from a raging battle through an overgrown field. They are captured by an alchemist, who forces the group to aid him in his search to find a hidden treasure that he believes is buried in the field. Crossing a vast mushroom circle, which provides their first meal, the group quickly descend into a chaos of arguments, fighting and paranoia, and, as it becomes clear that the treasure might be something other than gold, they slowly become victim to the terrifying energies trapped inside the field.

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