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The Prophet

Name: The Prophet
Director: Gary Tarn
Released: 2011
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2011

Director

Gary Tarn

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Gary Tarn’s documentary is a reflective visual essay that avoids the Western perspective. Using Kahlil Gibran’s poetry as a structure, the film offers a broad racial and cultural view through its global imagery. However, the film’s thematic, non-linear approach means it doesn’t engage specifically with LGBTQ+ narratives or characters with disabilities. It focuses on broad existential themes rather than specific groups. Ultimately, the film’s strength lies in its refusal to follow conventional storytelling, offering a nuanced view of humanity through a global lens.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Prophet have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't include specific LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Instead, it focuses on universal themes like love and death.

How does The Prophet portray gender?

Fair

Thandie Newton contributes significantly through her narration. The film doesn't have a central female lead but explores gendered experiences visually.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Prophet?

Excellent

The film showcases a wide range of people and non-Western locations, challenging Western-centric views. It presents a global perspective through its atmospheric imagery.

How does The Prophet represent religion and culture?

Good

The film highlights spiritual diversity by focusing on Kahlil Gibran’s work. It avoids narrow Western or Christian perspectives, presenting a mosaic of human experiences.

Does The Prophet include disability representation?

Fair

The documentary does not focus on characters with disabilities. While it captures various human struggles, it does not center on disability issues.

Present on Screen

The film uses a global visual palette that avoids Anglo-centric viewpoints.
It promotes spiritual diversity and avoids narrow Western or Christian perspectives.
Diverse, non-Western landscapes serve as a metaphor for a global perspective.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks specific engagement with LGBTQ+ characters or stories.
There is no intentional focus on disability representation.
The film lacks a central female protagonist to drive a traditional plot.

Official Synopsis

Gary Tarn has grappled with the Lebanese poet and thinker Kahlil Gibran's classic 'The Prophet' from 1923, which is famous worldwide for its main character's simple, inspiring answers to the questions with which all of us grapple. From love to crime, from marriage to work, from beauty to the ultimate death. Instead of a traditional film adaptation Tarn has been guided by actress Thandie Newton's reading of the text - and then traveled around the world with his 16mm and HD camera and filmed people, situations and places that resonate with, rather than illustrate, the text's themes.

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