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The Tempest

Name: The Tempest
Director: Percy Stow
Released: 1908
Duration: 12 min

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

1908

Director

Percy Stow

Runtime

12 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This 1908 adaptation of Shakespeare's play adheres strictly to the social hierarchies found in the original text. The narrative structure reinforces traditional gender roles and colonialist stereotypes rather than challenging them. The film functions as a traditional production, centered on patriarchal authority and Western literary norms. It lacks the intentionality needed to question the social expectations of its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Tempest have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film follows heterosexual relationships, particularly the romance between Miranda and Ferdinand. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.

How does The Tempest portray gender?

Fair

Prospero maintains a patriarchal structure, exercising authority over Miranda and Ariel. Miranda's role is largely defined by her father and her future marriage.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Tempest?

Limited

Caliban is portrayed through the 'savage' stereotype, carrying colonialist undertones. The narrative likely reinforces historical hierarchies related to non-European identities.

How does The Tempest represent religion and culture?

Limited

As a Western adaptation, the film emphasizes Western literary traditions. The story focuses on restoring order and status through classical storytelling.

Does The Tempest include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. No information is available regarding neurodivergence or physical impairments.

Present on Screen

The film offers a faithful adaptation of a key Western literary work.

Limited or Absent

The narrative reinforces colonialist clichés through the portrayal of Caliban.
The story relies on patriarchal power dynamics that limit women's influence.
The production lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.

Official Synopsis

Prospero and his daughter Miranda must take refuge on an enchanted island. There Prospero, who himself has magical powers, releases the spirit Ariel from a spell, and also meets the savage Caliban. Then Prospero uses his powers to create a tempest that shipwrecks some of the persons who caused his exile.

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