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The Serpent

Name: The Serpent
Director: Henri Verneuil
Released: 1973
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1973

Director

Henri Verneuil

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Serpent is a traditional international thriller that prioritizes genre clichés over progressive representation. The narrative structure revolves around a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game within a standard geopolitical framework. Due to its adherence to the social norms of 1973, the film lacks depth in addressing diverse identities and social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Serpent have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on Cold War geopolitics and does not include any non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Serpent portray gender?

Limited

The narrative emphasizes a masculine power struggle where male characters drive the main conflict while female characters have supporting roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Serpent?

Fair

The film adopts an internationalist approach reflecting global espionage. It avoids racial stereotypes but remains focused on Western and Soviet power dynamics.

How does The Serpent represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story operates within a traditional framework of state-level conflict. It portrays Western and Soviet institutions through professional espionage without critiquing systemic issues.

Does The Serpent include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities prominently featured. Characters are defined by their professional roles and intelligence rather than physical or cognitive differences.

Present on Screen

The film adopts an internationalist approach that reflects the globalized nature of espionage.
The cast includes a mix of French and American actors, enhancing the sense of scale.

Limited or Absent

The narrative reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by emphasizing male control and intellectual combat.
The film does not engage with non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.
The story remains centered on Eurocentric power dynamics without challenging the status quo.

Official Synopsis

Vlassov is a Soviet spy who defects in France. He is whisked to the U.S, where Allan Davies takes over the case. After polygraph tests and cross-examinations, Vlassov names several Western European agents who are also spying for the Soviets. Davies wants to take the listed agents into custody; meanwhile, those on the list start dying under mysterious circumstances.

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