You are here:

Madigan

Name: Madigan
Director: Don Siegel
Released: 1968
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1968

Director

Don Siegel

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Madigan is a quintessential mid-century procedural drama. The film prioritizes established social hierarchies, focusing on the relationship between individual detectives and institutional authority within the NYPD. The narrative structure revolves around traditional masculine archetypes. It avoids challenging familiar patterns, instead offering a standard representation of law enforcement dynamics common to the 1960s crime genre. Ultimately, the film lacks depth in representing multiple aspects of identity. It operates within a homogeneous social framework that reflects the institutional status quo of its era rather than challenging it.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Madigan have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows the social and cinematic conventions of the late 1960s. It does not include any representations of non-binary or transgender identities and does not challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Madigan portray gender?

Limited

Men play the primary roles in the film, while women are mostly in supporting roles. They have little influence over the main plot and serve mainly to support the male-driven storyline.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Madigan?

Limited

The film's setting is predominantly white, reflecting the era's typical urban crime dramas. There is a lack of diverse ethnic perspectives within the central power dynamics.

How does Madigan represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores the tension between individuals and institutional authority. It upholds the legitimacy of Western civic institutions rather than questioning them.

Does Madigan include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. Characters with disabilities are not shown driving the narrative or providing significant depth.

Present on Screen

Provides a clear, focused look at the internal mechanics and professional ethics of the NYPD during the late 1960s.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities, diverse ethnic perspectives, or characters with disabilities.
Reinforces traditional patriarchal structures by centering almost all decisive action within male characters.

Official Synopsis

NYPD detectives Bonaro and Madigan lose their guns to fugitive Barney Benesch. As compensation, they are given a weekend to bring Benesch to justice. While they follow various leads, Police Commissioner Russell goes about his duties, including attending functions, meeting with aggrieved relatives, and counseling the spouses of fallen officers.

How are these scores produced? →