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The American Way

Name: The American Way
Director: Maurice Phillips
Released: 1987
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

1987

Director

Maurice Phillips

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film primarily functions as a high-concept political satire rather than a detailed exploration of diverse identities. Its strength lies in its institutional critique, using a comedic framework to challenge the perceived integrity of military and political power structures. However, the narrative lacks representation across most identity vectors. The absence of LGBTQ+ and disability representation, combined with a lack of clear racial diversity, results in a low overall score despite the subversive cultural themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does The American Way have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or identities that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. There are no stories addressing the idea that everyone is assumed to be straight or cisgender.

How does The American Way portray gender?

Fair

Mrs. Westinghouse is a powerful female antagonist with significant institutional power. Her role challenges traditional gender hierarchies by placing a woman in a position of high-stakes political and military command.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The American Way?

Limited

The narrative focuses on the political and military motivations of Vietnam veterans and their antagonist. There is no indication of a non-white majority cast or multi-layered racial dynamics.

How does The American Way represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a clear critique of Western institutions and military-industrial interests. It challenges the integrity of political leadership by depicting a figure who uses nuclear force against citizens.

Does The American Way include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities within the film's documentation.

Present on Screen

The narrative provides a strong critique of Western political and military-industrial institutions.
It disrupts traditional gender hierarchies by centering a woman in a position of high-stakes command.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible or invisible disability representation.
There is no evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
The story lacks explicit evidence of multi-layered racial dynamics or a non-white majority cast.

Official Synopsis

A group of Vietnam vets disturbs television programs from a B-29 airplane. They want to sabotage Mrs Westinghouse's political campaign who is running for the Senate in support of US military involvement in South America. Mrs Westinghouse orders some nuclear missiles to be launched against the saboteurs, but they manage to avoid the impact and even succeed in exposing a big secret of hers.

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