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Dead Still

Name: Dead Still
Director: Philip Adrian Booth
Released: 2014
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

2014

Director

Philip Adrian Booth

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Dead Still is a conventional supernatural thriller that emphasizes a 'cursed object' plot over complex social commentary. The narrative structure centers on the individual ability to act of the male protagonist, Brandon Davis, as he confronts a lethal antique camera. Because the film relies on established horror clichés, it lacks the multi-layered character studies or systemic critiques found in more inclusive works. The focus remains on psychological tension and genre-driven stakes rather than disrupting social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film operates as a singular, high-stakes conflict without incorporating diverse perspectives or deconstructing societal norms through its casting or storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Dead Still have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It avoids derogatory stereotypes but fails to challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Dead Still portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male protagonist, Brandon Davis. The narrative follows a typical horror arc without challenging traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Dead Still?

Limited

There is no information about the racial makeup of the cast. The film does not indicate a non-white majority or diverse casting.

How does Dead Still represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film delves into Victorian-era death photography but focuses on supernatural causes. It does not critique Western institutions or religious structures.

Does Dead Still include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There is no indication of their roles or ability to act.

Present on Screen

The film explores historical themes through Victorian death photography.
It avoids using active derogatory stereotypes.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks visible LGBTQ+ representation or queer-coded storylines.
The story centers on a single male protagonist, limiting gender diversity.
There is no documented evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the cast.
The film lacks characters representing visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Upon the death of his great grandfather, Brandon Davis - a wedding photographer - inherits an antique camera famous for taking Victorian death photography. After photographing his subjects they start to die from horrible, bizarre deaths.

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