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The New Age

The New Age

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

1994

R

Director

Michael Tolkin

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film succeeds as a postmodern critique of social norms, particularly through its nuanced handling of LGBTQ+ identity and the deconstruction of traditional gender roles. However, the film's impact is limited by its narrow demographic focus. The exploration of meaning is almost exclusively reserved for a white, middle-class perspective, leaving little room for racial or multi-layered diversity. Ultimately, while the film engages intellectually with identity politics, its socioeconomic bubble prevents a truly broad representation of the human experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does The New Age have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film gives significant power to queer identity. It delves into the internal complexities of a male character's sexuality, integrating his struggles into a broader search for meaning rather than using it for comedic effect.

How does The New Age portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional gender roles. By showing the breakdown of stable provider and nurturing partner roles, the film suggests that conventional family structures may not fulfill existential needs.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The New Age?

Limited

The story focuses primarily on a predominantly white, middle-class social stratum. This focus limits the exploration of multi-layered issues, as the characters' spiritual searching is framed through a lens of socioeconomic privilege.

How does The New Age represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot prioritizes individualized spirituality and secularism over established religious dogma. It critiques Western institutions like career stability and traditional marriage as sources of emptiness for the upper-middle-class generation.

Does The New Age include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that drive the narrative.

Present on Screen

  • Gives significant narrative weight and control to queer identity.
  • Challenges traditional gender roles and domestic dynamics.
  • Offers a thoughtful critique of conventional social and religious structures.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks multi-layered depth regarding race and ethnicity.
  • Focuses almost exclusively on a white, middle-class socioeconomic lens.
  • Provides no representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Peter and Katherine Witner are Southern California super-yuppies with great jobs but no center to their lives. When they both lose their jobs and begin marital infidelities, their solution is to start their own business together. In order to find meaning to their empty lives, they follow various New Age gurus and other such groups. Eventually, they hit rock bottom and have to make some hard decisions.

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