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Something New

Name: Something New
Director: Nell Shipman, Bert Van Tuyle
Released: 1920
Duration: 57 min

Representation Score

5.1/10

Fair

1920

Director

Nell Shipman, Bert Van Tuyle

Runtime

57 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Something New stands out as a historical outlier for its progressive approach to gender. By centering a woman who navigates rugged terrain with independence, the film actively deconstructs the era's standard power dynamics. However, the film's impact is limited by a lack of visible diversity in other areas. While the Mexican setting provides a different backdrop, the narrative lacks clear evidence of racial depth or LGBTQ+ representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its structural commitment to female autonomy and its critique of social institutions through a lens of naturalism.

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Category Breakdown

Does Something New have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or address non-straight-centered relationships. There is no depiction of same-sex intimacy or specific critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Something New portray gender?

Excellent

The film centers a female protagonist who defies traditional gender roles by showcasing her independence and physical capabilities. She rejects domesticity and focuses on intellect and survival skills, challenging the passive female archetypes common in the 1920s.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Something New?

Fair

While the Mexican setting introduces a non-Anglo-Saxon environment, the depth of ethnic representation remains unclear. The film does not provide evidence of diverse characters or those who play a significant role in driving the story from different racial backgrounds.

How does Something New represent religion and culture?

Good

The story highlights a naturalistic philosophy that views the wilderness as a place of freedom from societal constraints. It emphasizes the importance of individual connection with nature.

Does Something New include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no documented evidence showing the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Subverts 1920s gender norms by centering a highly capable, independent female protagonist.
Challenges traditional social hierarchies through a naturalistic philosophy of liberation.
Rejects domesticity in favor of women's ability to drive the story and survival skills.

Limited or Absent

Lacks documented representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight-centered characters.
Provides limited evidence of actively leading characters of color or deep ethnic representation.
Contains no visible portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

A young woman visiting in Mexico is kidnapped by a gang of bandits, who drag her through the rugged wilderness to their hideout. She manages to leave word for her friend Bill, who knows the country well. But when Bill cannot find a horse, his only available form of transportation is his roadster. Nevertheless, he is determined to come to her rescue, even though it means trying to drive the car across miles of rocky, broken terrain.

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