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Ape and Super-Ape

Name: Ape and Super-Ape
Director: Bert Haanstra
Released: 1972
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

7.3/10

Good

1972

Director

Bert Haanstra

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bert Haanstra’s documentary serves as a comparative study of human and animal behavior. Instead of focusing on identity politics, the film uses structural parallels to equalize the human experience with the natural world. This approach subtly undermines the rigid social hierarchies common in 1970s media. The film's strength lies in its ability to challenge the perceived superiority of Western civilization through a naturalistic lens. By observing animal behaviors that deviate from mid-century social norms, it offers a unique perspective on the absurdity of human social structures. However, the documentary's macro-observational style limits its ability to represent specific human identities. Because it prioritizes species-wide patterns over individual narratives, it lacks the depth required for meaningful representation of race, disability, or LGBTQ+ identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Ape and Super-Ape have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. It avoids typical heterosexual romantic storylines when discussing animals, but it does not address specific LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Ape and Super-Ape portray gender?

Fair

The film breaks down human gender hierarchies by comparing them with animal instincts. This structure suggests that gender roles are part of a broader behavioral spectrum rather than being biologically fixed.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ape and Super-Ape?

Fair

The focus on universal biological imperatives bypasses many traditional Anglo-centric social hierarchies. However, the lack of a diverse human cast prevents a deeper exploration of different racial backgrounds.

How does Ape and Super-Ape represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative uses observational irony to critique organized social institutions. By emphasizing instinct over institutionalized morality, the film promotes a secular and naturalistic worldview.

Does Ape and Super-Ape include disability representation?

Fair

The film focuses on macro-level species behaviors rather than individual character studies. Consequently, it neither reinforces ableist clichés nor includes specific portrayals of disability.

Present on Screen

The film's comparative structure effectively challenges the perceived naturalness of human gender hierarchies.
Its naturalistic worldview provides a subtle critique of organized social institutions and Western cultural superiority.
The focus on universal biological imperatives helps bypass many traditional, Anglo-centric social hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

The macro-observational approach prevents the inclusion of specific, diverse human character studies.
The lack of explicit human-centric demographic data limits the depth of racial and ethnic representation.
There is no intentional inclusion or representation of neurodivergent or physically disabled subjects.

Official Synopsis

The film is a study of the differences and similarities between human and animal behaviour. The first part of the movie focuses on the behaviour of various animal species. The second half is about humans. In the original Dutch version writer Anton Koolhaas, who also wrote the script, provided the voice-over.

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