You are here:

Pierce

Name: Pierce
Director: Richard Kern
Released: 1990
Duration: 6 min

No Poster Available

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1990

Director

Richard Kern

Runtime

6 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Pierce is a transgressive artifact of the No Wave movement that prioritizes raw, abrasive interpersonal dynamics over cohesive storytelling. It functions as a postmodern deconstruction of social decorum, favoring nihilistic vignettes over traditional narrative structure. The film excels at challenging traditional Western institutions and moral norms. However, it is limited by a lack of explicit characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The focus on a specific, homogeneous underground aesthetic results in minimal racial diversity and a lack of nuanced identity politics.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Pierce have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on transgressive sexual dynamics but lacks explicit queer narratives or character-driven identity politics.

How does Pierce portray gender?

Good

Gender hierarchies are challenged through abrasive interpersonal friction and a focus on bodily autonomy. However, character's ability to drive the story remains limited.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Pierce?

Limited

The work reflects a homogeneous urban aesthetic typical of the No Wave movement. It lacks significant racial diversity or intentional multi-layered casting.

How does Pierce represent religion and culture?

Good

The film excels at critiquing Western institutions through nihilism and moral relativism. It presents urban decay as a critique of social order and stability.

Does Pierce include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Effective deconstruction of traditional Western institutions and moral norms.
Subversion of mainstream gender hierarchies through abrasive interactions.
Challenging depictions of bodily autonomy and transgressive social behavior.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit queer narratives or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identity politics.
Minimal racial diversity within the No Wave aesthetic.
Absence of representation regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Pierce is a documentary showing Richard Kern's girlfriend having her nipples pierced.

How are these scores produced? →