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Color Adjustment

Name: Color Adjustment
Director: Marlon Riggs
Released: 1992
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

7.2/10

Good

1992

Unrated

Director

Marlon Riggs

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Marlon Riggs’ documentary rigorously examines how American television shapes racial identity, analyzing shows like *Amos 'n' Andy* and *The Cosby Show*. The film uncovers the systemic imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards and the resulting hierarchies based on skin tone. The work stands out for its critique of Western cultural dominance and beauty standards, moving beyond surface-level representation to explore internalized oppression. It provides a nuanced look at how media reinforces racialized power structures. While the film lacks direct representations of LGBTQ+ characters or disabilities, its strength lies in its layered approach to gender and race.

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Category Breakdown

Does Color Adjustment have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ characters or non-traditional gender identities. The director's progressive background is reflected in the film's overall approach, though there are no direct on-screen representations of LGBTQ+ individuals.

How does Color Adjustment portray gender?

Good

The film highlights how Eurocentric beauty standards disproportionately affect Black women, influencing their social status and defining their femininity. It critiques how these standards can be harmful within the Black community.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Color Adjustment?

Excellent

Marlon Riggs presents a detailed analysis of colorism and racial hierarchies, showing how media perpetuates skin-tone stratification within the Black community. The film is particularly strong in its examination of how television shapes racial identity.

How does Color Adjustment represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film offers a deep critique of Western cultural dominance, examining how colonial beauty standards are internalized through media. It looks at how these standards influence perceptions of beauty and identity.

Does Color Adjustment include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities. There is no specific representation of individuals with disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Provides a powerful analysis of racial dynamics and colorism.
Offers a sophisticated critique of Western cultural dominance and beauty standards.
Examines how gendered expectations intersect with race in a nuanced manner.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representations of LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disability representation.

Official Synopsis

From Amos 'n' Andy to Nat King Cole, from Roots to The Cosby Show, black people have played many roles on primetime television. Brilliantly weaving clips from classic TV shows with commentary from TV producers, black actors and scholars, Marlon Riggs blends humor, insight, and thoughtful analysis to explore the evolution of black/white relations as reflected by America's favorite addiction.

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