You are here:

Drum

Name: Drum
Director: Steve Carver
Released: 1976
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

1976

Director

Steve Carver

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Drum stands out as a historical drama that prioritizes racial ability to act over traditional, homogeneous storytelling. By centering a biracial protagonist, the film provides a nuanced critique of mid-19th-century systemic inequities and institutional hierarchies. However, the film's scope is narrow, lacking representation of LGBTQ+ identities and offering limited engagement with gender subversion. Instead, it focuses on a male-centric world of combat and social struggle. Ultimately, while the film lacks breadth across all identity markers, its commitment to exploring multi-layered identity and the power dynamics of the era makes it a significant departure from standard historical clichés.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Drum have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The story focuses solely on the protagonist's survival and social interactions.

How does Drum portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on a male-dominated world of pit-fighting. There is a lack of prominent women's ability to drive the story, reflecting traditional gender roles within the historical context.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Drum?

Excellent

The film centers a biracial protagonist, challenging standard Anglo-centric historical clichés. His role as a pit-fighter highlights his active involvement rather than portraying him as a passive victim.

How does Drum represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques Western social structures by highlighting the injustices of white society. It explores the tension between individual success and institutional corruption.

Does Drum include disability representation?

Fair

The protagonist's status as an orphan creates social vulnerability. However, there is no evidence of neurodivergence or physical disability used for character development.

Present on Screen

Centers a biracial protagonist to challenge Anglo-centric historical narratives.
Provides a nuanced critique of systemic racial inequities and institutional corruption.
Portrays a underrepresented individual with physical power and ability to act rather than passivity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight themes.
Features a male-dominated narrative with limited women's ability to drive the story.
Does not utilize disability or neurodivergence as a narrative tool.

Official Synopsis

A mid-19th century mulatto slave is torn between his success as a pit-fighter and the injustices of white society.

How are these scores produced? →