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The World, the Flesh and the Devil

Name: The World, the Flesh and the Devil
Director: Ranald MacDougall
Released: 1959
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1959

Approved

Director

Ranald MacDougall

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a psychological exploration of isolation set within the constraints of 1950s cinema. It avoids many modern clichés but relies heavily on racial tension to drive its narrative. However, it lacks diversity in gender and LGBTQ+ representation, focusing primarily on masculine archetypes and the breakdown of social structures. Ultimately, the film is more concerned with studying systemic collapse than promoting multi-layered inclusion.

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Category Breakdown

Does The World, the Flesh and the Devil have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres strictly to 1950s norms and does not include any LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.

How does The World, the Flesh and the Devil portray gender?

Minimal

The narrative focuses on a male-dominated hierarchy that limits female influence and emphasizes masculine traits.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The World, the Flesh and the Devil?

Fair

Racial tension is a key element in the story, with a Black protagonist playing a central role among a mostly white cast.

How does The World, the Flesh and the Devil represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film examines the collapse of societal norms and traditional values through the lens of psychological chaos and nihilism.

Does The World, the Flesh and the Devil include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Racial tension is used effectively to drive the main conflict.
The Black protagonist, Ralph Burton, plays a central role in the story.

Limited or Absent

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
Female characters have limited influence due to the male-dominated structure.
There is no representation of physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Ralph Burton is a miner who is trapped for several days as a result of a cave-in. When he finally manages to dig himself out, he realizes that all of mankind seems to have been destroyed in a nuclear holocaust. He travels to New York City only to find it deserted. Making a life for himself there, he is flabbergasted to eventually find Sarah Crandall, who also managed to survive. Together, they form a close friendship until the arrival of Benson Thacker who has managed to pilot his small boat into the city's harbor. At this point, tensions rise between the three, particularly between Thacker, who is white, and Burton, who is black.

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