You are here:

Bad

Name: Bad
Director: Jed Johnson
Released: 1977
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1977

NC-17

Director

Jed Johnson

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Bad flips the script on the crime genre by putting a female protagonist in charge. Hazel runs a covert operation that challenges the usual male-dominated structure of hitman stories. However, the film's impact is limited by a lack of visible racial and LGBTQ+ identity markers. While it challenges traditional gender roles, it remains narrow in its broader social representation. Ultimately, the film focuses on cynical social structures rather than a diverse range of identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Bad have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't show explicit LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy. However, it challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on a female-dominated professional environment.

How does Bad portray gender?

Good

Hazel breaks down traditional crime stereotypes by holding a position of systemic power. The film also deconstructs masculine archetypes by showing L.T. as a dependent figure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bad?

Limited

There is no information about the racial makeup of the cast. The story doesn't include visible ethnic diversity or specific cultural backgrounds for the characters.

How does Bad represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques institutions by showing a corrupt relationship between a business owner and law enforcement. It explores moral relativism through a deadpan lens.

Does Bad include disability representation?

Minimal

The film doesn't mention any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of traditional gender roles by centering women's ability to drive the story in a criminal underworld.
Effective deconstruction of traditional masculine archetypes through the character of L.T.
Cynical and engaging critique of legal and institutional corruption.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ identity markers or representation.
Absence of visible racial or ethnic diversity within the known narrative.
No representation of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Hazel runs a beauty salon out of her house, but makes extra money by providing ruthless women the oppurtunity to perform hit jobs. L.T. is a parasite, and contacts Hazel looking for work after he runs out of money. She is reluctant to use him for a hit, since she prefers using women, but decides to try him on a trial basis. Meanwhile, the cop she pays off wants an arrest to make it look like he's doing his job, but Hazel doesn't want to sacrifice any of her "associates". The sleazy side of life is explored in this delightfully dark and deadpan film.

How are these scores produced? →