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HWY: An American Pastoral

Name: HWY: An American Pastoral
Director: Jim Morrison, Frank Lisciandro, Babe Hill, Paul Ferrara
Released: 1970
Duration: 52 min

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

1970

Director

Jim Morrison, Frank Lisciandro, Babe Hill, Paul Ferrara

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

HWY: An American Pastoral explores individual rebellion through cinema. It effectively uses a documentary style to challenge mid-century social norms and capitalist systems. However, the film lacks depth in representing various human identities. Its focus is primarily on a single male perspective, and it doesn't offer much in terms of LGBTQ+ identities or diverse racial casts. Ultimately, the film is more about critiquing societal norms than showcasing a wide range of human identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does HWY: An American Pastoral have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film hints at a move away from stories centered around straight relationships, but it doesn't show much on-screen intimacy between LGBTQ+ characters or explicitly state their identities.

How does HWY: An American Pastoral portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses mainly on a single male protagonist and his experiences. While it questions traditional ideas of masculinity, there isn't much shown about women taking control of their own lives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is HWY: An American Pastoral?

Limited

The film seems to center around a lone traveler's journey without showing a predominantly non-white cast. Any racial diversity might exist only as minor characters in the background.

How does HWY: An American Pastoral represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The work shines in criticizing traditional Western institutions and the conventional family structure. By following a hitchhiker, it promotes a nomadic lifestyle that challenges established social norms.

Does HWY: An American Pastoral include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about the portrayal of physical or neurological disabilities in this experimental film.

Present on Screen

Strong critique of traditional Western institutions and settled societal norms.
Uses countercultural themes to challenge established social orders.
Questions traditional male clichés through an existentialist lens.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities and intimacy.
Limited female character's ability to drive the story and a strong focus on the male experience.
No clear evidence of racial diversity or intentional casting variety.

Official Synopsis

HWY: An American Pastoral is a film by Jim Morrison, Frank Lisciandro, Paul Ferrara, and Babe Hill and stars Morrison as a hitchhiker. It is a 50-minute experimental film in Direct Cinema style. It was shot during the spring and summer of 1969 in the Mojave Desert and in Los Angeles.

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