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The Devil and Father Amorth

Name: The Devil and Father Amorth
Director: William Friedkin
Released: 2018
Duration: 68 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

2018

Not Rated

Director

William Friedkin

Runtime

68 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

William Friedkin’s documentary preserves traditional religious rituals. It prioritizes the effectiveness of the Catholic priesthood and institutional doctrine over social challenges. The film upholds existing hierarchies rather than questioning them. The narrative lacks complexity by focusing on a singular, culturally specific spiritual reality. By centering on the Vatican's authority, the film maintains a rigid, non-relativistic perspective that avoids modern social discourse. Ultimately, the work studies historical religious authority. It offers a narrow view of specific spiritual practices without engaging with broader, diverse social perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Devil and Father Amorth have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses solely on Catholic liturgical and spiritual procedures. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or stories addressing non-traditional gender identities.

How does The Devil and Father Amorth portray gender?

Limited

The film centers on a patriarchal structure led by male clergy. Cristina, though central, remains a passive participant in the spiritual process.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Devil and Father Amorth?

Limited

Set in Rome, the film reflects local demographics with a predominantly white, European cast. It adheres to Western-centric casting norms without expanding its scope.

How does The Devil and Father Amorth represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The narrative serves as a defense of the Roman Catholic Church. It promotes a singular moral framework of good versus evil without considering moral relativism.

Does The Devil and Father Amorth include disability representation?

Fair

Subjects experiencing severe psychological fits are portrayed through a supernatural lens. These conditions are framed as evidence of demonic influence rather than highlighting individual experiences.

Present on Screen

Provides a culturally accurate depiction of Roman Catholic rituals and local Italian demographics.
Offers a nuanced portrayal of subjects experiencing psychological distress.

Limited or Absent

Lacks LGBTQ+ representation and does not address non-traditional gender identities.
Reinforces patriarchal structures by centering authority solely within male clergy.
Frames mental health struggles through a supernatural lens rather than highlighting individual experiences.
Maintains a narrow, Western-centric worldview that lacks complexity.

Official Synopsis

William Friedkin attends an exorcism with Father Gabriele Amorth, as he treats an Italian woman named Cristina for the ninth time. Prior to filming, Cristina had purportedly been experiencing behavioural changes and “fits” that could not be explained by psychiatry, and which became worse during Christian holidays.

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