You are here:

Big

Name: Big
Director: Penny Marshall
Released: 1988
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1988

Director

Penny Marshall

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Big reflects its time period by adopting a universalist and sentimental approach to storytelling. It successfully undermines traditional masculine roles through the protagonist's vulnerability and incompetence. However, the film fails to introduce multi-layered elements, presenting a homogeneous social world that aligns with the demographics of its era. Overall, the film's adherence to traditional romantic structures and lack of diverse perspectives limit its potential for progressive storytelling.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Big have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a strictly heterosexual storyline, focusing on the protagonist's relationship with a woman without any hints of LGBTQ themes.

How does Big portray gender?

Fair

The narrative challenges typical masculine stereotypes by depicting a vulnerable adult with a childlike mindset. Despite this, the film retains a conventional romantic plot.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Big?

Limited

The cast primarily features white actors, reflecting a predominantly white, middle-class urban setting. The story lacks integration of diverse ethnic backgrounds into the main conflict.

How does Big represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights the charm of modern urban life and corporate structures, emphasizing a sentimental, traditional resolution over critical views of societal norms.

Does Big include disability representation?

Fair

The film uses the protagonist's psychological state to navigate an unfamiliar world for comedic effect, but it does not delve deeply into the complexities of disability.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by highlighting emotional vulnerability.
Employs a unique psychological disconnect to explore navigating unfamiliar social environments.

Limited or Absent

Needs more racial and ethnic diversity to reflect a broader range of experiences.
Follows a strictly heterosexual storyline without LGBTQ representation.
Does not offer a nuanced exploration of neurodivergence or disability, relying instead on comedic elements.

Official Synopsis

When a young boy makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big, he wakes up the following morning to find that it has been granted and his body has grown older overnight, but he is still the same 13-year-old boy inside. Now he must learn how to cope with the unfamiliar world of grown-ups, including getting a job and having his first romantic encounter with a woman.

How are these scores produced? →