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Moonraker

Name: Moonraker
Director: Lewis Gilbert
Released: 1979
Duration: 126 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

1979

Director

Lewis Gilbert

Runtime

126 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Moonraker operates as a traditional adventure film reflecting the social structures of the late 1970s. Although it introduces more professional roles for women, such as Dr. Holly Goodhead, it still adheres to conventional patriarchal dynamics and a Western-centric viewpoint. The film’s global setting provides a veneer of internationalism, but this often serves as a backdrop for Western protagonists. Despite critiquing eugenics and corporate power, the narrative remains within established genre conventions. Overall, the film relies on traditional character types and uses physical differences primarily for tension rather than character development.

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Category Breakdown

Does Moonraker have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional romantic tensions and focuses on heterosexual relationships. It does not include any queer subtext or characters with non-traditional gender identities.

How does Moonraker portray gender?

Fair

Dr. Holly Goodhead stands out by offering intellectual expertise and ability to act, avoiding the damsel cliché. However, the film still uses Bond girls as objects of desire, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Moonraker?

Limited

While the film features a globalized setting, character's ability to drive the story remains centered around Western interests. Non-Western characters have limited roles and ability to act.

How does Moonraker represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film criticizes eugenics and the dangers of unregulated private industry through its antagonist. However, these themes are framed within a Western-centric perspective.

Does Moonraker include disability representation?

Minimal

Representation of disabilities serves mainly as plot devices. For example, the character Jaws uses his physical difference to create tension, rather than being developed as a fully realized character.

Present on Screen

Dr. Holly Goodhead brings intellectual expertise and ability to act, breaking away from the damsel cliché.
The narrative includes a critique of eugenics and the dangers of unchecked private industry.
The film showcases a globalized setting, moving through diverse locations like Venice and Rio.

Limited or Absent

The film leans heavily on traditional gender hierarchies and the 'Bond girl' cliché.
Non-Western characters have limited roles and ability to act within the globalized narrative.
Physical differences are primarily used as tools for creating tension rather than developing characters.

Official Synopsis

After Drax Industries' Moonraker space shuttle is hijacked, secret agent James Bond is assigned to investigate, traveling to California to meet the company's owner, the mysterious Hugo Drax. With the help of scientist Dr. Holly Goodhead, Bond soon uncovers Drax's nefarious plans for humanity, all the while fending off an old nemesis, Jaws, and venturing to Venice, Rio, the Amazon...and even outer space.

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