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The Ballad of Shirley Collins

Name: The Ballad of Shirley Collins
Director: Rob Curry, Tim Plester
Released: 2017
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

2017

Director

Rob Curry, Tim Plester

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film excels as a detailed biographical study that centers on female leadership and explores the impact of physical disabilities. It provides a meaningful look at cultural heritage and the preservation of oral traditions. However, the documentary remains confined to a specific Anglo-Saxon musical tradition, limiting its representation of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Overall, while it does not delve deeply into multi-layered issues, it offers a profound perspective on resilience and the significance of ancestral connections in contemporary society.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Ballad of Shirley Collins have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on the biographical journey of Shirley and Dolly Collins. It does not explicitly address LGBTQ+ identities or narratives that challenge traditional norms.

How does The Ballad of Shirley Collins portray gender?

Good

The documentary highlights Shirley Collins as a prominent cultural leader. It emphasizes the significant bond between sisters and their roles within the folk movement.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ballad of Shirley Collins?

Limited

The film centers on the Anglo-Saxon musical heritage. It explores traditional English songs without showcasing a diverse range of racial backgrounds.

How does The Ballad of Shirley Collins represent religion and culture?

Fair

The documentary examines communal identity and ancestral melodies to critique modern disconnection. It maintains a traditional focus on English folk history and heritage.

Does The Ballad of Shirley Collins include disability representation?

Good

The story delves into Shirley’s personal journey after losing her voice. It portrays her struggle and eventual professional recovery as a testament to resilience.

Present on Screen

Highlights a female leader as a significant cultural authority.
Offers a respectful portrayal of vocal disability and professional resilience.
Emphasizes the value of preserving traditional, non-commercial cultural heritage.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from more diverse racial and ethnic representation.
Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ narratives or discussions of queer identity.
Maintains a strong focus on a specific, homogeneous Anglo-Saxon cultural history.

Official Synopsis

One of the most important English singers of 20th-century traditional song, Shirley Collins and her sister Dolly stood at the epicentre of the folk music revival from the 1950s through to the 1970s. Directors Rob Curry and Tim Plester have created a poetic response to the life and times of this totemic musical figure. Four years in the making, and co-produced by Fifth Column Films and Burning Bridges, The Ballad of Shirley Collins is the fascinating first release from Fire Films – available to you exclusively through the Lush Player. A captivating study of heritage, posterity, and the true ancestral melodies of the people, this heart-warming film revolves around Shirley's tragic loss of her voice and struggle back to the limelight. And ultimately, it suggests that in these turbulent, increasingly untethered times, we may need Shirley Collins and all she represents more than ever.

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