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The High Five

Name: The High Five
Director: Mike Jacobs
Released: 2014
Duration: 11 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2014

Director

Mike Jacobs

Runtime

11 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film deconstructs sports mythology by using the high five as a symbol to explore systemic exclusion. It shifts the focus from athletic statistics to the sociopolitical implications of identity and institutional homophobia. By documenting Glenn Burke's forced exit from baseball, the film challenges traditionalist views of sports history. It frames the baseball diamond as a site of struggle for those existing outside established social norms. While the film excels at highlighting queer visibility and multi-layered identities, it remains largely centered on male-dominated social structures and historical athletic contexts.

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Category Breakdown

Does The High Five have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on Glenn Burke's life and the historical erasure of his contributions. It highlights the high five as a moment of queer visibility within a hyper-masculine environment.

How does The High Five portray gender?

Fair

Gender is explored through the lens of 1970s hyper-masculinity. The narrative critiques rigid masculine hierarchies but remains focused on male-centric social dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The High Five?

Good

The documentary examines the the way different parts of someone's identity overlap between Dusty Baker's achievements as a Black athlete and Burke's underrepresented status. It highlights the complexities within a historically white-dominated institution.

How does The High Five represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques traditional Western sports institutions as exclusionary. It prioritizes outsider perspectives and the personal cost of non-conformity against established social hierarchies.

Does The High Five include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated deconstruction of sports history through a queer lens.
Uses the 'high five' as a symbol of authentic human connection.
Highlights the multi-layered experiences of Black and LGBTQ+ individuals in sports.

Limited or Absent

Narrative focus remains heavily centered on male-centric social dynamics.
Lacks representation or discussion regarding physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

On October 2nd, 1977 Dusty Baker hit his 30th homerun of the season. As Baker rounded the bases, an excited rookie named Glenn Burke met him at home plate, raised his arm high in the air and slapped Baker's hand. It was the first high five recorded in the history of sports. A year later, Burke was forced out of baseball amid rumours of his sexual orientation.

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