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Boy on a Dolphin

Name: Boy on a Dolphin
Director: Jean Negulesco
Released: 1957
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

1957

Director

Jean Negulesco

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Boy on a Dolphin is a typical mid-century romantic adventure that emphasizes star power and classic storytelling. The narrative is built on traditional romantic hierarchies and common clichés of the time. While the film includes a diverse cast, it does not challenge established gender roles. Instead, it reflects the 1950s standards of individualistic romanticism.

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Category Breakdown

Does Boy on a Dolphin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows traditional mid-century structures where everyone is assumed to be straight. The main conflict revolves around heterosexual romance and competition among men.

How does Boy on a Dolphin portray gender?

Limited

Phaedra has some influence over the artifact but is mostly seen as an object of desire. The tension in the story depends on her being pursued by men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Boy on a Dolphin?

Fair

The film includes actors from Greece, Italy, and America, reflecting a mix of cultures. It uses authentic regional actors but focuses on the Mediterranean from a Western perspective.

How does Boy on a Dolphin represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story emphasizes personal passion and classical beauty over social critique. It upholds traditional social hierarchies without challenging Western or capitalist norms.

Does Boy on a Dolphin include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no significant portrayals of physical or mental disabilities. Such traits do not play a major role in the characters' stories or the plot.

Present on Screen

Includes actors from Greece, Italy, and America.
Uses authentic regional actors for the Mediterranean setting.

Limited or Absent

Depends heavily on the 'object of desire' cliché for the female protagonist.
Focuses on the Mediterranean from a Western perspective.
Does not engage with systemic power dynamics or social critique.

Official Synopsis

Phaedra is a poor sponge diver on the lovely Greek isle of Hydra. While diving, she discovers an ancient brass and gold statue of a boy riding a dolphin, which is said to have the magical power to grant wishes. Her shiftless boyfriend wants to sell it to an unscrupulous art collector, but Phaedra wants to give it to anthropologist Jim Calder, who would return it to the Greek government.

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