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Bovines

Name: Bovines
Director: Emmanuel Gras
Released: 2012
Duration: 64 min

Representation Score

7.8/10

Good

2012

Director

Emmanuel Gras

Runtime

64 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bovines is a contemplative documentary that intentionally shifts away from human-centric storytelling. By focusing on the lived experiences of livestock, it challenges the traditional view of animals as mere commodities. The film’s strength lies in its post-humanist perspective. It dismantles Western industrial frameworks by giving ability to act to animals typically seen as economic tools, prompting a reevaluation of their inner lives. Without human subjects, the film cannot address typical demographic markers like race, gender, or sexual orientation. Its progressive stance comes from its refusal to reinforce anthropocentric viewpoints.

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Category Breakdown

Does Bovines have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

Since the film focuses on non-human characters, there are no explicit LGBTQ+ identities depicted. However, it avoids reinforcing the idea that everyone is straight or cisgender by focusing on biological realities.

How does Bovines portray gender?

Fair

Gender roles and hierarchies are not relevant because there are no human characters. The film concentrates on the biological and behavioral rhythms of the animals.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Bovines?

Fair

Racial and ethnic diversity are not applicable since there are no human characters. The film centers on a homogeneous group of bovines, emphasizing their biological characteristics.

How does Bovines represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western capitalist structures by portraying cows as sentient beings rather than just livestock. It adopts a naturalist philosophy that challenges industrial paradigms.

Does Bovines include disability representation?

Fair

Human disabilities are not addressed, but the film explores the physical vulnerabilities of the animals. It grants them ability to act through their sensory reactions to the natural world.

Present on Screen

Challenges the capitalist framework by treating animals as sentient beings rather than commodities.
Provides a non-anthropocentric worldview that prioritizes animal ability to act and sensory experience.
Offers a profound critique of Western industrial paradigms through a naturalist lens.

Limited or Absent

Lacks human representation, making it impossible to assess traditional social diversity markers.
Does not engage with human-centric sociopolitical identity narratives or demographic complexities.

Official Synopsis

In the fields, we see them, extended on the grass or grazing peacefully. Large placid beasts that we thought we knew because they are livestock. Lions, gorillas, bears have our attention, but has anyone ever really looked at cows? Asked what they were doing with their days? What do they do when a storm passes? When the sun comes back? What do they think when they stand motionless, seemingly contemplating the void? Do they think? "Bovines" chronicles the true life of a cow: grazing, ruminating, gazing - but also feeling - mooing with grief, or just enjoying an apple…

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