You are here:

The Apollo

The Apollo

Representation Score

9.1/10

Excellent

2019

TV-MA

Director

Roger Ross Williams

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Apollo is a powerful exploration of Black excellence and cultural resilience. By focusing on the theater through a Black lens, the film avoids exclusionary mainstream narratives. The documentary excels in representing racial and cultural diversity, presenting the theater as a sanctuary for identity. However, its narrow focus on musical and racial heritage means that LGBTQ and disability narratives are not central to the story.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Apollo have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on musical traditions and racial heritage rather than LGBTQ-specific stories. It includes diverse performers but doesn't emphasize non-traditional gender identities.

How does The Apollo portray gender?

Good

The documentary highlights the professional skills of female performers, presenting them as key figures in the theater's legacy. It disrupts traditional gender roles by showcasing women's leadership.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Apollo?

Excellent

This film centers on the ability to act of non-white performers, avoiding a white-centric perspective. It emphasizes Black voices and the Apollo Theater as a symbol of excellence.

How does The Apollo represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film showcases how underrepresented communities create vibrant cultural spaces. It presents Black heritage as a self-determined value, challenging traditional Western narratives.

Does The Apollo include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not prominently feature individuals with disabilities. Its main focus is on the musical and cultural history of the Apollo Theater.

Present on Screen

  • Centers Black voices, historians, and performers.
  • Highlights the professional mastery of female musicians.
  • Challenges Western narratives through community-led cultural preservation.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks focus on LGBTQ-specific narratives.
  • Does not address visible or invisible disabilities.
  • Narrative scope remains primarily tied to musical and racial heritage.

Official Synopsis

The history of New York City's Apollo Theater in Harlem is given the full treatment.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.