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A Death in St. Augustine

Name: A Death in St. Augustine
Director: Glenn Silber
Released: 2013
Duration: 54 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2013

TV-PG

Director

Glenn Silber

Runtime

54 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

A Death in St. Augustine is a serious investigative documentary that prioritizes systemic scrutiny over entertainment. Its main strength lies in its examination of institutional power and gendered vulnerability. By focusing on the potential failure of a male-dominated sheriff's office, the film challenges traditional hierarchies of authority. However, the film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities and provides no clear evidence of racial or ethnic diversity within the subject matter. The narrative is tightly focused on a specific domestic tragedy, which limits its breadth of social representation. Overall, the work succeeds as a critique of state-sanctioned power structures, even if it remains narrow in its demographic scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Death in St. Augustine have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a heterosexual domestic dispute involving a single mother and a male deputy. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships portrayed.

How does A Death in St. Augustine portray gender?

Good

The film explores the power dynamics between a female protagonist and a male authority figure. It highlights the vulnerability of a single mother within a male-dominated institution.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Death in St. Augustine?

Fair

The film lacks specific details about the racial identities of the subjects. Without verified information, the representation remains moderate and uncertain.

How does A Death in St. Augustine represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary critically examines Western legal and law enforcement systems. It emphasizes systemic issues over maintaining institutional reputations.

Does A Death in St. Augustine include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide any information about the portrayal of physical, neurodivergent, or mental health disabilities.

Present on Screen

Examines gendered power imbalances and female vulnerability.
Critiques Western law enforcement and institutional accountability.
Challenges traditional narratives of masculine protection and institutional competence.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight perspectives.
Provides no clear evidence of racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent representation.

Official Synopsis

On the night she broke up with her boyfriend, a Florida deputy sheriff, Michelle O'Connell was found dead from a gunshot in the mouth. Next to her was her boyfriend's semi-automatic service pistol. The sheriff's office called it suicide, but was it? FRONTLINE and The New York Times investigate this death of a young, single mother, and what can go wrong when the police are faced with domestic violence allegations within their own ranks.

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