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Something Big

Name: Something Big
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Released: 1971
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1971

Director

Andrew V. McLaglen

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Something Big functions as a genre piece that uses postmodern elements to critique the mythos of the American West. It deconstructs the concept of the 'hero' through a lens of performative identity. However, the film remains deeply rooted in traditional demographic structures. Its progressive value is limited to intellectual skepticism of historical legends rather than the representation of underrepresented identities. The narrative relies on conventional gender roles and a homogeneous cast, reflecting the historical limitations of the 1970s Western genre.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something Big have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. All romantic motivations are based on traditional heterosexual dynamics.

How does Something Big portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play key roles in driving the plot, but the overall narrative focuses on masculine pursuits. The protagonist's actions reinforce traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something Big?

Minimal

The film features a predominantly white cast typical of the Western genre. There is no significant representation of minority characters or multi-layered casting.

How does Something Big represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story offers a postmodern deconstruction of the Western hero myth, suggesting that legendary status is a social construct rather than an inherent moral trait.

Does Something Big include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or hidden disabilities portrayed within the main character arcs. Disability is not a central theme in the film.

Present on Screen

The film provides a nuanced deconstruction of the 'Western Hero' myth.
It explores the idea of legendary status as a manufactured social construct.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities.
The cast is predominantly white with minimal minority representation.
The narrative reinforces traditional gender hierarchies and masculine-driven plots.

Official Synopsis

Joe Baker has a dream. He wants to do 'something big.' When he needs a Gatling gun to accomplish this, he seeks out a black marketeer. The price he wants for the gun? A woman! So Baker kidnaps a woman off of the stagecoach, only to find that she is the wife of the commandant of the local Cavalry detachment. Things get further complicated when a girl named Dover McBride shows up. She has come to force Baker to marry her and return east, as he promised to do four years earlier

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