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The Master and His Servants

Name: The Master and His Servants
Director: Arne Skouen
Released: 1959
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

1959

Director

Arne Skouen

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film is set in the mid-20th century and is built upon established social and religious hierarchies. It prioritizes psychological depth and individual morality over modern multi-layered identity politics. While the narrative explores the breakdown of social order and systemic betrayal, it lacks intentional subversion of identity-based clichés. The focus remains on the conflict between religious authority and personal integrity. Ultimately, the film reflects the historical social constraints of its era, offering a nuanced look at character rather than a diverse spectrum of identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Master and His Servants have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. The narrative focuses solely on ecclesiastical hierarchy and traditional family structures.

How does The Master and His Servants portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a patriarchal struggle for religious authority. However, Helmer’s wife serves as a resilient moral anchor amidst the chaos.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Master and His Servants?

Minimal

This Norwegian drama depicts a homogeneous social hierarchy. There is no indication of racial or ethnic blending within the 1950s Scandinavian setting.

How does The Master and His Servants represent religion and culture?

Limited

The plot explores institutional corruption and moral ambiguity within the Church. It remains deeply rooted in traditional Western religious and legal systems.

Does The Master and His Servants include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Disability is not used as a narrative device in this work.

Present on Screen

Helmer's wife provides a strong, resilient counterpoint to the male-dominated power struggle.
The film offers a sophisticated exploration of institutional corruption and the fragility of social standing.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks LGBTQ+ representation and non-straight perspectives.
The setting is culturally homogeneous, lacking racial or ethnic diversity.
There is no representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

While Sigurd Helmer is being dressed in his bishop's robes, the fanatical Tornkvist arrives at the ordination and watches from the background. Even before the ordination is over, he goes to the police. He has evidence that Helmer has stolen the office with the help of anonymous letters that slandered Tornkvist in the battle for the bishop's crozier. At the banquet in the bishop's residence, Tornkvist drops the accusation like a bomb. At the same time, he announces his engagement to Helmer's daughter, and the banquet table dissolves into complete confusion. Only Helmer's wife stands firm in her belief in his innocence. Helmer is then brought to trial, accused by Tornkvist. Based on Axel Kielland's play from 1955.

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