You are here:

The Hero

The Hero

Representation Score

5.0/10

Fair

2017

R

Director

Brett Haley

Runtime

97 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film centers on a narrow character study that deconstructs the 'American Icon' archetype. By removing the traditional hero's competence, it provides a nuanced look at aging and masculinity. However, this subversion is limited by a lack of demographic diversity. The film operates within a highly homogeneous social framework, failing to provide meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ individuals or diverse racial groups. Ultimately, the film prioritizes individual existential crises over broader social or systemic critiques.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Hero have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a typical heterosexual relationship and does not include non-cisgender identities or engage with queer narratives or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight.

How does The Hero portray gender?

Good

The narrative challenges traditional masculine roles by showing the male lead's vulnerability and professional decline. The female lead has a strong professional and intellectual presence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hero?

Limited

The setting reflects a predominantly white, upper-middle-class Los Angeles environment. There is a lack of diverse casting or efforts to disrupt racial norms.

How does The Hero represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film deconstructs the celebrity mythos and emphasizes a secular, individualistic perspective. It focuses on the psychological impact of fame rather than systemic issues.

Does The Hero include disability representation?

Limited

Mental health and existential struggles are portrayed as traits of a specific class. The film does not offer a focused exploration of neurodivergence or visible disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges traditional masculine roles by highlighting vulnerability and emotional instability.
  • Gives the female lead a strong professional and intellectual presence.
  • Provides a sophisticated deconstruction of the celebrity mythos and the psychological toll of fame.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
  • Maintains a highly homogeneous racial and socioeconomic framework.
  • Does not explore disability or neurodivergence through a lens of specific ability to act.

Official Synopsis

Lee, a former Western film icon, is living a comfortable existence lending his golden voice to advertisements and smoking weed. After receiving a lifetime achievement award and unexpected news, Lee reexamines his past, while a chance meeting with a sardonic comic has him looking to the future.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.