You are here:

Possessed

Name: Possessed
Director: Clarence Brown
Released: 1931
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

4.0/10

Fair

1931

Director

Clarence Brown

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Possessed is a psychological drama that emphasizes character depth over broad demographic representation. By focusing on a woman's mental breakdown, it offers insight into the inner workings of the psyche that contrasts with the era's typical portrayal of women. However, the film is limited by the homogeneity of early 1930s Hollywood. The absence of LGBTQ+ characters and racial diversity keeps the overall score low, despite the film's nuanced treatment of mental health issues. Ultimately, the film excels in exploring the human mind and female empowerment, even while confined within a narrow social and racial context.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Possessed have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The central conflict revolves around traditional romance and psychology.

How does Possessed portray gender?

Fair

Marion is shown taking a leading role in her internal struggles and interactions with the medical system, rather than being a passive figure in the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Possessed?

Minimal

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the casting practices of 1931. There is no indication of actors from diverse racial backgrounds in key roles.

How does Possessed represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into the fragility of the mind and subjective reality but does not explicitly criticize Western institutions such as capitalism or religion.

Does Possessed include disability representation?

Good

Mental health issues play a central role in the plot, focusing on the protagonist's struggle for stability rather than portraying mentally ill individuals as villains.

Present on Screen

Highlights the protagonist's journey through mental health challenges.
Prioritizes the female perspective in navigating patriarchal institutions.
Avoids harmful stereotypes by depicting mental instability through personal struggle.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Features a predominantly white cast with no racial diversity.
Does not address broader societal or religious institutions.

Official Synopsis

Marion is a factory worker who hopes to trade the assembly line for a beautiful penthouse apartment. Mark Whitney, a wealthy and influential lawyer, can make her dreams come true, but, there is only one problem; he will give her everything except a marriage proposal. Will this affair ever lead to marriage?

How are these scores produced? →