You are here:

A Trip to Mars

Name: A Trip to Mars
Director: Holger-Madsen
Released: 1918
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

2.1/10

Limited

1918

Director

Holger-Madsen

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Trip to Mars is a philosophical speculative work that emphasizes cosmic inquiry over social identity. It lacks modern markers of diversity, particularly regarding race and sexuality, which contributes to a lower diversity score. However, the film achieves merit through its critique of terrestrial norms. By presenting a Martian civilization that has surpassed human instincts and violence, it offers an early critique of contemporary human social structures. Ultimately, the film serves more as a study of evolutionary progress than a commentary on human diversity, using its extraterrestrial setting to challenge the limitations of Earthly civilization.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does A Trip to Mars have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional romantic relationship between Avanti Planetaros and Marya. There are no characters with non-cisgender identities or critiques of heteronormativity in the story.

How does A Trip to Mars portray gender?

Fair

Despite the male-dominated leadership of the expedition, Marya plays a significant role in bridging worlds. Dr. Krafft provides a scientific perspective that counters traditional patriarchal command.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Trip to Mars?

Minimal

The production lacks visible racial or ethnic diversity. The crew consists of a homogeneous group of men, and the Martian inhabitants are shown as idealized non-human beings.

How does A Trip to Mars represent religion and culture?

Good

The film depicts a Martian utopia free from human vices like violence and sorrow, critiquing Earth's institutions as backward.

Does A Trip to Mars include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no identifiable depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the characters or the plot.

Present on Screen

Marya plays a significant role in advancing Earth's intellect by choosing to leave her world.
The narrative critiques human social structures by presenting a superior, non-violent Martian model.
Dr. Krafft introduces meritocratic expertise as a counterweight to traditional military leadership.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks visible racial or ethnic diversity within its primary cast.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
The story provides no depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The navy captain Avanti Planetaros is inspired by his astronomer-father to travel through outer space to reach other worlds. He becomes an aviator and, along with the young scientist Dr. Krafft, the driving force behind the construction of a space-ship. Despite oppostion from the mocking Professor Dubius, Planetaros gathers a crew of fearless men and takes off. During the long voyage, the crew becomes restless; a mutiny is narrowly avoided. Finally, they reach Mars and discover that the planet is inhabited by people who have reached a higher stage of development, free of diseases, sorrow, violence, sexual urges, and the fear of death. Avanti falls in love with Marya, daughter of the Prince of Wisdom, the head of the Martians. Marya shares his feelings and decides to return with him in order to bring the wisdom of the Martians to the backward Earthlings. (stumfilm.dk)

How are these scores produced? →