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Repulsion

Name: Repulsion
Director: Roman Polanski
Released: 1965
Duration: 105 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1965

Director

Roman Polanski

Runtime

105 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Repulsion is a study of psychological fragmentation that focuses on individual alienation rather than broader societal issues. While it excels in exploring a woman's inner turmoil, it remains limited in its demographic representation. The film's strength lies in its intense portrayal of a woman's psychological struggles. However, this focus comes at the cost of diverse representation, as the world remains largely white and oriented toward straight relationships. Ultimately, the work serves as a critique of social and medical authority through the lens of a mental health crisis, rather than a broad social tapestry.

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Category Breakdown

Does Repulsion have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any non-straight relationships or same-sex intimacy. The main conflict revolves around the protagonist's fear of men.

How does Repulsion portray gender?

Fair

The story provides a detailed look at a woman's inner thoughts and emotions. However, it maintains traditional gender roles by portraying men as authoritative or threatening figures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Repulsion?

Minimal

Set in mid-century London, the film has a predominantly white cast with no significant ethnic or racial diversity.

How does Repulsion represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques the stability of Western society by showing the breakdown of family life. It highlights the failure of traditional institutions to offer healing.

Does Repulsion include disability representation?

Fair

The plot centers on a severe mental health issue and resulting psychosis. The protagonist's actions are closely tied to her deteriorating mental state.

Present on Screen

Offers a deep, visceral exploration of a woman's psychological interiority.
Effectively deconstructs the perceived stability of Western social norms and domesticity.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the protagonist's actions within her psychosis.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer intimacy.
Features a predominantly white cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by positioning men as dominant or threatening figures.

Official Synopsis

Beautiful young manicurist Carole suffers from androphobia (the pathological fear of interaction with men). When her sister and roommate, Helen, leaves their London flat to go on an Italian holiday with her married boyfriend, Carole withdraws into her apartment. She begins to experience frightful hallucinations, her fear gradually mutating into madness.

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