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Animal

Name: Animal
Director: Claude Zidi
Released: 1977
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.6/10

Minimal

1977

Not Rated

Director

Claude Zidi

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Claude Zidi’s comedy operates within the established social and demographic norms of its time. The film prioritizes slapstick humor and traditional archetypes over subverting social hierarchies or providing diverse perspectives. The cast and narrative structures are largely homogeneous, reflecting a conventional mid-century French cinematic approach. There is a notable absence of LGBTQ+ identities, racial variety, or nuanced portrayals of disability. Ultimately, the film reinforces the status quo. It uses character dynamics and professional mishaps to drive humor rather than engaging with systemic power or characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Animal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. The main romance focuses solely on Mike and Jane's heterosexual relationship.

How does Animal portray gender?

Limited

The story relies on traditional 1970s gender roles. Jane gains some independence after an accident, but the film uses patriarchal humor as a comedic tool.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Animal?

Minimal

The cast is primarily white and European. The film operates within a homogeneous social context typical of mid-century French comedy.

How does Animal represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative follows traditional Western structures centered on individual goals. It does not question institutions like family or capitalism.

Does Animal include disability representation?

Minimal

An accident serves as a plot device to create conflict. Physical consequences are used for comedic effect rather than representing disability authentically.

Present on Screen

The film uses well-established comedic archetypes to drive its slapstick narrative.
Jane asserts herself by setting boundaries with Mike after their accident.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight narratives.
The cast is predominantly white, offering very little racial or ethnic diversity.
Disability is used as a plot device for comedy rather than a lived experience.
The narrative adheres to traditional Western structures without challenging systemic norms.

Official Synopsis

Mike (Jean-Paul Belmondo) is a stuntman who works with his girlfriend Jane (Raquel Welch). On their wedding day Mike and Jane are forced by producers to do a stunt for a film they are working on. Mike, annoyed doesn't look on the road and crashes the car causing them to end up in a hospital. After they come out Jane doesn't want to talk to Mike so he decides to get her a job in a film in which he is a stunt double for his double who is a star in action pictures but is in fact a wimp.

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