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Tramontane

Name: Tramontane
Director: Vatche Boulghourjian
Released: 2017
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

8.6/10

Excellent

2017

Director

Vatche Boulghourjian

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tramontane (2017) is a character-driven drama that centers on a blind man's existential quest for legitimacy in Lebanon. The film succeeds by treating disability as a functional part of the protagonist's life rather than a mere plot device for pity. The narrative's strength lies in its multi-layered approach, linking the protagonist's physical disability to his systemic invisibility as a citizen. By focusing on the failure of state-issued identification, the film highlights how institutional corruption impacts underrepresented individuals. While the film offers a strong Middle Eastern perspective and a nuanced look at masculinity, it remains neutral regarding LGBTQ+ representation. The focus remains primarily on the intersection of disability and bureaucratic erasure.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tramontane have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or identities, but the theme of identity unraveling leaves room for questioning established social roles.

How does Tramontane portray gender?

Fair

Despite focusing on a male protagonist, the story challenges traditional masculine stereotypes. Rabih's vulnerability due to blindness offers a nuanced portrayal of strength through perseverance rather than physical dominance.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tramontane?

Good

Set in Lebanon with a local cast, the film provides a vital Middle Eastern perspective. It disrupts Anglo-centric cinematic norms by prioritizing a specific regional identity and geopolitical context.

How does Tramontane represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative critiques institutional structures by framing state bureaucracy as an obstacle to human dignity. It explores the fragility of official truth and the complexities of citizenship within its setting.

Does Tramontane include disability representation?

Excellent

The film grants a significant role in driving the story to its blind protagonist, integrating his sensory reality into his work and conflict. It avoids 'inspiration porn' by making him the primary driver of the plot.

Present on Screen

Provides high ability to act to a character with a significant disability.
Offers a non-Western, Middle Eastern perspective that disrupts Anglo-centric cinema.
Challenges traditional male clichés through a vulnerable, persevering protagonist.
Critiques systemic corruption and the fragility of official state identity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities.
The narrative focus is heavily centered on a single male protagonist.

Official Synopsis

Rabih, a young blind man, lives in a small village in Lebanon. He sings in a choir and edits Braille documents for an income. His life unravels when he tries to apply for a passport and discovers that his identification card, which he has carried his entire life, is fake. Now he must travel across Lebanon in search of his identity.

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