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Risky Business

Name: Risky Business
Director: Paul Brickman
Released: 1983
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1983

Director

Paul Brickman

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Risky Business is a film focused on a limited demographic but employs a postmodern narrative style. Despite lacking LGBTQ+ and racial diversity, it avoids being a purely traditional text by challenging gender power dynamics. The film centers on a world where female independence challenges traditional male dominance. This adds complexity to the character interactions despite the narrow demographic range. Ultimately, the film serves as a critique of societal stability and parental authority. It emphasizes individual ability to act and economic survival over upholding conventional Western institutional values.

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Category Breakdown

Does Risky Business have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on heterosexual relationships and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or individuals whose gender does not match their assigned sex at birth.

How does Risky Business portray gender?

Good

Cyndi challenges traditional gender roles by maintaining both professional and personal independence. She demonstrates superior strategic thinking, which defies the typical submissive female stereotype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Risky Business?

Minimal

The film is set in a predominantly white, affluent environment with very little racial or ethnic diversity among the cast.

How does Risky Business represent religion and culture?

Good

The story questions traditional moral frameworks and portrays anti-social behavior as a reaction to consumerist culture. It highlights the breakdown of societal norms and institutions.

Does Risky Business include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities. There are no plot devices centered around characters with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Subverts traditional gender hierarchies by highlighting female independence and strategic thinking.
Offers a postmodern critique of consumerism and traditional moral structures.
Challenges conventional masculine leadership through the character of Cyndi.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Features a highly homogeneous cast with minimal racial or ethnic diversity.
Does not portray any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Meet Joel Goodson, an industrious, college-bound 17-year-old and a responsible, trustworthy son. However, when his parents go away and leave him home alone in the wealthy Chicago suburbs with the Porsche at his disposal he quickly decides he has been good for too long and it is time to enjoy himself. After an unfortunate incident with the Porsche Joel must raise some cash, in a risky way.

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