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Beirut

Name: Beirut
Director: Brad Anderson
Released: 2018
Duration: 109 min

Representation Score

6.4/10

Good

2018

Director

Brad Anderson

Runtime

109 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Beirut provides a sense of place through authentic casting and a critique of Western interventionism. By centering the local population's experience during the Siege of Beirut, the film avoids the typical Western-centric lens often found in war dramas. However, the film's impact is limited by its adherence to traditional genre clichés. The narrative remains focused on male-driven action, and the lack of LGBTQ+ or disability-focused storylines prevents a more inclusive exploration of the human condition. Ultimately, the film offers a nuanced look at the fog of war while prioritizing racial and cultural authenticity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Beirut have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on geopolitical survival during the Lebanese Civil War. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or explorations of non-straight relationships.

How does Beirut portray gender?

Fair

Women appear in professional roles like journalists navigating the combat zone. However, the story centers on a male-driven action-thriller archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Beirut?

Good

The production features a predominantly Middle Eastern cast to reflect the local population. This avoids Western-centric casting and prioritizes the lived experiences of those within the Siege of Beirut.

How does Beirut represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques foreign interventionism and its impact on Lebanese civilians. It embraces moral relativism and post-colonial themes regarding sovereignty and geopolitical power.

Does Beirut include disability representation?

Limited

War-related trauma and physical injuries serve as markers of urban chaos. Characters with disabilities are used as plot devices without a significant role in driving the story.

Present on Screen

Authentic Middle Eastern casting reflects the local population accurately.
Sophisticated critique of foreign interventionism and geopolitical power.
Prioritizes non-Anglo-Saxon perspectives within a historical conflict setting.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationship exploration.
Heavy reliance on male-driven action-thriller archetypes.
Disability is treated as a utilitarian plot device rather than character-driven ability to act.

Official Synopsis

In 1980s Beirut, Mason Skiles is a former U.S. diplomat who is called back into service to save a colleague from the group that is possibly responsible for his own family's death. Meanwhile, a CIA field agent who is working under cover at the American embassy is tasked with keeping Mason alive and ensuring that the mission is a success.

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