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Andre the Giant

Name: Andre the Giant
Director: Jason Hehir
Released: 2018
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2018

TV-14

Director

Jason Hehir

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary presents a traditional biographical account, focusing on the chronological events of a single life. Its strength lies in its respectful portrayal of physical differences, moving beyond mere spectacle to explore the complexities of a medical condition. However, the film adheres to conventional social structures without challenging masculine archetypes or engaging with broader multi-layered or queer narratives. It celebrates a career within established institutions but does not critique these structures. The film successfully humanizes a physical outlier while remaining within conventional storytelling.

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Category Breakdown

Does Andre the Giant have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the subject's heterosexual history without delving into queer identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight. It does not explore LGBTQ+ themes or challenge traditional norms.

How does Andre the Giant portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on the male-dominated world of professional wrestling, where male figures hold most of the power and control. Personal relationships are touched upon, but the main focus remains on the male wrestlers' experiences.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Andre the Giant?

Fair

The documentary showcases a diverse cast of wrestling contemporaries from various backgrounds. However, the primary focus is on the individual journey of a French-born subject.

How does Andre the Giant represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film follows a traditional biographical path, highlighting success within Western entertainment frameworks. It avoids anti-Western critiques and instead celebrates the achievements within these institutions.

Does Andre the Giant include disability representation?

Good

The documentary offers extensive coverage of the subject's experience with acromegaly. It examines how this condition influenced his life and actions.

Present on Screen

Respects the complexity of acromegaly without reducing it to a mere plot device.
Highlights the inherent multicultural nature of professional wrestling through diverse contemporaries.
Provides a nuanced perspective on navigating mainstream commercial entertainment with a unique physical identity.

Limited or Absent

Does not intentionally disrupt established social hierarchies or engage with critiques of power.
Does not actively seek to challenge traditional gender roles or masculine archetypes.
Does not engage with non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities or queer theories within the biographical narrative.

Official Synopsis

An ambitious and wide-ranging documentary exploring Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE, and his forays in the entertainment world.

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