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Lulu

Name: Lulu
Director: Walerian Borowczyk
Released: 1980
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

5.9/10

Fair

1980

Director

Walerian Borowczyk

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Walerian Borowczyk’s *Lulu* is a stylized critique of 19th-century social structures that emphasizes the disruption of norms over broad demographic representation. While the film lacks racial and LGBTQ+ diversity, it excels in its nuanced subversion of gender hierarchies and traditional morality. The protagonist’s active role in the story moves beyond a simple male-dominated perspective. However, the historical setting remains demographically homogeneous, and trauma serves primarily as a plot device rather than a detailed exploration of disability. Overall, the film's strength lies in its postmodern critique of Western institutions and its rejection of moral absolutism, despite its limitations in representing diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Lulu have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. The story focuses on heterosexual relationships and pursuits.

How does Lulu portray gender?

Good

The character Lulu challenges traditional feminine roles by taking control of her sexuality. The film portrays masculinity as unstable and prone to emotional breakdown.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Lulu?

Limited

The film features a predominantly white cast set in a historically specific European context. There is no indication of intentional racial diversity or color-blind casting.

How does Lulu represent religion and culture?

Good

Avoiding a singular Christian morality, the film promotes moral relativism. It criticizes the commercialization of the body and the fragility of traditional social structures.

Does Lulu include disability representation?

Limited

The film does not significantly address visible or invisible disabilities. Traumas, both physical and psychological, serve mainly as plot devices to advance the tragic storyline.

Present on Screen

Challenges traditional feminine roles through the protagonist's strong sexual presence.
Questions the stability of upper-class institutions and traditional Victorian morality.
Provides a sophisticated critique of the commercialization of the human body and class structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly represent LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Features a predominantly white cast reflecting historical homogeneity.
Uses physical and psychological trauma as plot devices without delving into lived disability.

Official Synopsis

Lulu models for a young painter who tries to seduce her. When her husband enters the room he dies from a heart attack. Lulu marries the painter, who commits suicide when he finds out that she has been having a long standing affair with Dr Schon and whose son gives her a job. Lulu kills Dr Schon and goes to London to live with his son. Eventually, she becomes a prostitute and dies a victim of Jack the Ripper.

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