You are here:

Deranged

Name: Deranged
Director: Jeff Gillen, Alan Ormsby
Released: 1974
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1974

Director

Jeff Gillen, Alan Ormsby

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Deranged is a traditional 1970s exploitation horror film that emphasizes psychological transgressions over social critique. The narrative structure reinforces existing demographic norms and traditional hierarchies rather than challenging them. The film relies on genre clichés to explore domestic dysfunction. It does not intentionally address multiple aspects of identity or diversity, focusing instead on the descent into madness and the breakdown of the nuclear family. Ultimately, the work operates within the sociological constraints of its era, providing a character study of insanity without engaging in broader social or cultural critiques.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Deranged have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. It centers on a traditional relationship between a man and a woman, without addressing any non-heterosexual identities.

How does Deranged portray gender?

Limited

Gender dynamics in the film show the mother as a controlling figure who influences the protagonist's negative views towards women. Female characters mainly exist as victims or catalysts for the protagonist's instability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Deranged?

Minimal

Set in rural Wisconsin, the film features a predominantly white cast with little diversity. There are no characters of color with significant roles or influence.

How does Deranged represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story focuses on individual psychological issues and isolation, rather than broader societal critiques. It serves as a character study of madness without delving into larger social structures or institutions.

Does Deranged include disability representation?

Limited

Characters with mental health conditions and physical limitations are used primarily as plot devices to advance the horror narrative. They do not have significant roles or ability to act in the story.

Present on Screen

Explores the deconstruction of the nurturing mother archetype through a horror lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks intentional representation of diverse identities and backgrounds.
Uses disability and mental health primarily as plot devices for horror.
Reinforces conventional gender roles and a homogeneous demographic cast.

Official Synopsis

A man living in rural Wisconsin takes care of his bed-ridden mother, who is very domineering and teaches him that all women are evil. After she dies, he misses her, and a year later digs her up and takes her home. He learns about taxidermy and begins robbing graves to get materials to patch her up, and inevitably begins looking for fresher sources of materials. Based loosely on the true story of Ed Gein.

How are these scores produced? →