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Shadow on the Mesa

Name: Shadow on the Mesa
Director: David S. Cass Sr.
Released: 2013
Duration: 87 min

Representation Score

0.6/10

Minimal

2013

Director

David S. Cass Sr.

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Shadow on the Mesa is a traditional Western that sticks closely to established storytelling methods. The narrative leans heavily on well-known genre clichés, emphasizing personal ability to act and male leadership. The film scores low in progressive representation because it does not challenge existing power structures. Instead, it presents a typical historical adventure story. By sticking to a traditional casting approach and focusing on a culturally uniform group of settlers, the film avoids including diverse perspectives or overlapping aspects of identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Shadow on the Mesa have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters. It follows a traditional storyline that doesn't explore non-straight relationships.

How does Shadow on the Mesa portray gender?

Limited

The narrative focuses on the male protagonist, who drives the story forward. Women play supporting roles and act mainly as catalysts for the male character’s journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Shadow on the Mesa?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white. There are no characters of color that challenge the historically homogeneous portrayal of the frontier setting.

How does Shadow on the Mesa represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers on individual justice and upholds traditional social structures. It does not address secular viewpoints or question Western institutions.

Does Shadow on the Mesa include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Characters are portrayed as physically capable for the action-adventure genre.

Present on Screen

The film adheres strictly to established Western genre conventions and traditional frontier justice narratives.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and characters with disabilities.
Gender roles are limited, with women playing mostly supportive roles for the male lead.
The casting is predominantly white, lacking racial and ethnic diversity within the frontier setting.
The narrative fails to engage with diverse cultural perspectives or critique traditional social hierarchies.

Official Synopsis

Wes Rawlins is considered one of the best bounty hunters in the West. His life changes when he finds out that his mother is dead and the man responsible is still at large. Wes believes that his long lost father Ray Eastman is responsible and sets out to find him seeking revenge...

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