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In Praise of Nothing

Name: In Praise of Nothing
Director: Boris Mitić
Released: 2019
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2019

Not Rated

Director

Boris Mitić

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

In Praise of Nothing is an experimental documentary that replaces traditional storytelling with philosophical abstraction. By focusing on a concept rather than specific identities, it avoids traditional social hierarchies. The film's strength lies in its globalized production, using over 100 directors of photography to create a diverse, multi-perspectival visual experience. This approach ensures a non-homogeneous aesthetic. While the film successfully critiques materialism and gender clichés, it lacks specific depictions of identity or disability. The abstract nature of the subject matter limits the visibility of concrete social representations.

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Category Breakdown

Does In Praise of Nothing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film avoids traditional romantic storylines by focusing on an abstract concept called 'Nothing.' Its avant-garde style and cabaret scoring align with queer performance traditions, subtly challenging conventional social structures.

How does In Praise of Nothing portray gender?

Good

By focusing on a philosophical concept rather than human characters, the film avoids traditional gender roles such as masculine leadership or feminine domesticity. This approach neutralizes typical gender power dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In Praise of Nothing?

Good

Using a decentralized filmmaking model with over 100 cinematographers worldwide, the film creates a visually diverse tapestry. This global approach avoids a single, Western-centric viewpoint, offering a multi-perspectival view.

How does In Praise of Nothing represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes capitalist greed by personifying 'Nothing.' Simple, childlike narration dismantles formal communication styles, promoting a more fluid, anti-establishment mode of truth.

Does In Praise of Nothing include disability representation?

Minimal

The film provides no evidence regarding the portrayal of specific disabilities or neurodivergent characters.

Present on Screen

The film offers a diverse, multi-perspectival visual experience through a globalized production model.
It successfully challenges traditional gender hierarchies by focusing on an abstract concept.
The narrative critiques capitalist materialism through a unique, anti-establishment philosophical lens.

Limited or Absent

The abstract subject matter prevents the inclusion of specific, character-driven representations of identity.
There is a lack of visible representation regarding disability or neurodivergent perspectives.
The focus on philosophical abstraction limits the film's engagement with concrete social or racial identities.

Official Synopsis

A feelgood documentary about Nothing, in which Nothing, tired of being misunderstood, tries to defend its cause. Filmed worldwide by 100+ complementary DoPs, scored by cabaret grandmasters Pascal Comelade & The Tiger Lillies, narrated - in simple childish verse - by Iggy Pop.

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