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Nature of the Beast

Name: Nature of the Beast
Director: Daniel Draper
Released: 2017
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2017

Director

Daniel Draper

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Nature of the Beast is a biographical study of Dennis Skinner, prioritizing class struggle and industrial history over identity-driven character studies. The film functions as a portrait of populist resistance against shifting institutional norms in Britain. While the documentary excels at portraying anti-establishment sentiment and the fight against neoliberalism, it lacks breadth in other identity categories. The focus remains strictly on the socio-economic context of the mining industry and parliamentary politics. Ultimately, the film is a specialized look at class-based political history. It succeeds in its specific niche but offers little representation for LGBTQ+, gender, or racial diversity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Nature of the Beast have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any specific focus on LGBTQ+ identities or narratives. Instead, it centers on labor movements and parliamentary politics.

How does Nature of the Beast portray gender?

Fair

The narrative centers around a male figurehead and the male-dominated history of coal mining. There is no evidence of women playing a central role in driving the story.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Nature of the Beast?

Limited

The documentary focuses on the white working-class experience during the UK's industrial decline. It lacks a focus on multi-ethnic diversity.

How does Nature of the Beast represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film highlights a critique of neoliberalism and the struggles of those disadvantaged by systemic changes. It portrays an anti-establishment fight against shifting institutional norms.

Does Nature of the Beast include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence that disability or neurodivergence are central themes. These elements are not present in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong portrayal of anti-establishment and anti-capitalist frameworks.
Effective focus on class-based resistance and political disruption.
Deeply authentic exploration of industrial history and labor movements.

Limited or Absent

Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and narratives.
Minimal focus on female roles or gender diversity.
Absence of multi-ethnic diversity within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

In an era of PR and spin, Dennis Skinner is a thrillingly authentic political figure: fearsome, principled, and uncompromising, he has been sticking up for the interests of the people of his constituency in Bolsover since 1970. An ex-miner, he was represented his community through the industrial action of the 1970s, the closure of the mines, and the slow drift to the ‘centre-ground’ within Labour politics. Famous for his sharp wit and unyielding style, Skinner has remained true to his roots, fighting for the disadvantaged and often getting himself into trouble in Parliament. The story of both a towering figure, and the fortunes of progressive politics in Britain over the last half-century.

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