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Howard

Name: Howard
Director: Don Hahn
Released: 2018
Duration: 93 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2018

TV-PG

Director

Don Hahn

Runtime

93 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Howard is an intimate, archival tribute that achieves meaningful representation through its candid depiction of LGBTQ+ domesticity and partnership. By blending Ashman's personal identity with his professional achievements, the film avoids treating his orientation as a secondary plot device. However, the film's scope is limited by its biographical nature. Focusing on a specific historical figure and his immediate professional environment results in a traditionally homogeneous demographic profile. Ultimately, the work takes a celebratory approach, commemorating a singular talent without critiquing systemic structures.

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Category Breakdown

Does Howard have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film highlights Howard Ashman's personal life through interviews with his longtime partner, Bill Lauch. It explores how personal identity and professional success intersect.

How does Howard portray gender?

Fair

The story mainly focuses on the male protagonist in the male-dominated worlds of Broadway and film lyricism. There is no indication of challenging traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Howard?

Fair

The interviewees and archival subjects represent the demographics of the late 20th-century musical theater industry. The film serves as a historical record without attempting to diversify the racial makeup.

How does Howard represent religion and culture?

Fair

The documentary celebrates the artistic legacy of Howard Ashman. It prioritizes preserving artistic excellence over critiquing Western institutions.

Does Howard include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no specific evidence of the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Highlights LGBTQ+ domesticity and long-term same-sex partnerships.
Blends personal identity with professional achievements without using orientation as a token.
Provides a nuanced, intimate look at a pivotal figure's life through rare archival footage.

Limited or Absent

The narrative focus remains heavily centered on a male protagonist in a male-dominated industry.
The film reflects the demographic homogeneity of the late 20th-century musical theater scene.
The celebratory tone lacks a critique of traditional Western institutions or systemic structures.

Official Synopsis

Though legendary lyricist Howard Ashman died far too young, his impact on Broadway, movies, and the culture at large were incalculable. Told entirely through rare archival footage and interviews with Ashman’s family, friends, associates, and longtime partner Bill Lauch, Howard is an intimate tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent and a rousing celebration of musical storytelling itself.

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