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The Poisoner's Handbook

Name: The Poisoner's Handbook
Director: Rob Rapley
Released: 2014
Duration: 112 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

2014

TV-14

Director

Rob Rapley

Runtime

112 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by emphasizing the professional achievements of Charles Norris, an African American medical examiner. By showcasing his expertise in a racially segregated era, the documentary challenges traditional medical histories and highlights the contributions of Black professionals to institutional reform. However, the narrative predominantly features male intellectual leadership. While this reflects historical realities, the absence of female scientists or investigators limits the breadth of representation. The documentary also offers a critical perspective on industrial capitalism, shifting the focus from scientific advancements to how scientific knowledge protects vulnerable populations from corporate misconduct.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Poisoner's Handbook have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses solely on historical and scientific aspects, with no depiction of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or same-sex relationships.

How does The Poisoner's Handbook portray gender?

Limited

The film centers on male-dominated fields of early 20th-century medicine and law. While historically accurate, it lacks female representation in scientific or investigative roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Poisoner's Handbook?

Excellent

Charles Norris, an African American medical examiner, plays a significant role in the film. His actions highlight his impact on systemic changes within institutions despite racial segregation.

How does The Poisoner's Handbook represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary criticizes unregulated capitalism and the adulteration of consumer goods. It portrays corporate negligence as a systemic issue that disproportionately affects the poor.

Does The Poisoner's Handbook include disability representation?

Minimal

The film explores the physical effects of toxins on the human body. However, it does not feature characters with permanent disabilities as central figures in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Highlights the professional achievements of an African American in a high-stakes scientific role.
Challenges traditional narratives of historical medical practices.
Provides a critique of how unregulated industries disproportionately affect underrepresented communities.

Limited or Absent

Lacks female representation in scientific and investigative roles.
Focuses primarily on male-dominated fields of medicine and law.

Official Synopsis

In 1918, New York City hired its first scientifically trained medical examiner, Charles Norris. Over the course of a decade and a half, Norris and his extraordinarily driven and talented chief toxicologist, Alexander Gettler, would turn forensic chemistry into a formidable science, sending many a murderer to the electric chair and setting the standards that the rest of the country would ultimately adopt.

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