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The Great Flood

Name: The Great Flood
Director: Bill Morrison
Released: 2012
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

2.6/10

Limited

2012

Director

Bill Morrison

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Bill Morrison’s documentary uses archival montage to examine the 1927 Mississippi River Flood. Unlike traditional documentaries, it does not follow individual characters but instead explores systemic changes and the collective experience of displaced populations. By focusing on the Black experience and the Great Migration, the film challenges monolithic historical narratives. However, the non-narrative structure means it lacks character-driven narratives and thus does not engage with gendered power dynamics or LGBTQ+ identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Great Flood have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no explicit references to LGBTQ+ identities or narratives in the film. The montage does not include any scripted dialogue or character development related to LGBTQ+ experiences.

How does The Great Flood portray gender?

Minimal

Since the film is a montage without interpersonal interactions, it does not address gendered power dynamics. Without character interactions, the film cannot explore gender-based roles or ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Great Flood?

Excellent

The film focuses on the mass exodus of displaced sharecroppers and the Great Migration. It highlights the cultural ability to act of Black musicians and laborers through the development of the Blues.

How does The Great Flood represent religion and culture?

Good

The work critiques the stability of Western historical records using decaying celluloid. It emphasizes cultural resilience during the transition from rural to urban settings.

Does The Great Flood include disability representation?

Minimal

Given its experimental, non-narrative format, the film does not depict specific instances of disability. Physical impairments shown are part of the historical context rather than intentional representations.

Present on Screen

Highlights the Black experience through the Great Migration and the impact of the flood on sharecroppers.
Celebrates the cultural ability to act of Black musicians through the evolution of the Blues.
Critiques the fragmented nature of official historical records using archival footage.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide character-driven narratives to explore gendered power dynamics or identity.
Does not intentionally represent or give ability to act to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Does not offer specific depictions or ability to act regarding disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

The Mississippi River Flood of 1927 was the most destructive river flood in American history. In the spring of 1927, the river broke out of its banks in 145 places and inundated 27,000 square miles to a depth of up to 30 feet. Part of it enduring legacy was the mass exodus of displaced sharecroppers. Musically, the Great Migration of rural southern blacks to Northern cities saw the Delta Blues electrified and reinterpreted as the Chicago Blues, Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll. Using minimal text and no spoken dialog, filmmaker Bill Morrison and composer - guitarist Bill Frisell have created a powerful portrait of a seminal moment in American history through a collection of silent images matched to a searing original soundtrack.

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