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Waiting for the Messiah

Name: Waiting for the Messiah
Director: Daniel Burman
Released: 2000
Duration: 98 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2000

Director

Daniel Burman

Runtime

98 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Waiting for the Messiah stands out as a nuanced character study that avoids broad stereotypes. It focuses on the overlapping aspects of identity within the Jewish-Argentine community. The film excels in its postmodern exploration of identity and connection. By incorporating LGBTQ+ presence and religious heritage into a realistic urban setting, it challenges more conventional cinematic formulas. However, the narrative remains primarily focused on male character arcs, even though it successfully deconstructs traditional masculinity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Waiting for the Messiah have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The film includes a relationship between Laura and another woman, which feels natural to the social environment of Buenos Aires rather than a superficial addition.

How does Waiting for the Messiah portray gender?

Fair

The movie explores changing gender roles by breaking down the traditional provider archetype. Through Santamaria’s unemployment and family rejection, the film highlights male vulnerability and questions traditional masculine authority.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Waiting for the Messiah?

Good

The story provides a detailed look at the Jewish-Argentine community, avoiding a uniform perspective and focusing on specific religious and ethnic elements that shape character motivations within a Latin American backdrop.

How does Waiting for the Messiah represent religion and culture?

Good

The film portrays religious identity as a lived cultural experience rather than a strict moral code. It examines spirituality through a humanistic lens during the economic turmoil of the 1999 Argentine peso crisis.

Does Waiting for the Messiah include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication that visible or invisible disabilities play a central role in the narrative or serve as key plot devices.

Present on Screen

Offers a detailed and specific portrayal of the Jewish-Argentine community.
Incorporates LGBTQ+ identities naturally into the social landscape.
Provides a nuanced deconstruction of traditional masculine roles.

Limited or Absent

The narrative remains heavily centered on male character arcs and perspectives.
Visible or invisible disabilities are not represented or utilized as central plot devices.

Official Synopsis

In 1999, Argentina's peso craters. Ariel, a young man from Buenos Aires' Jewish community, deals with his mother's fatal illness, finds a job as a night shift surveillance camera monitor, and wonders when he'll discover sex. Santamaria, middle aged, loses his bank job and is dismissed by his wife; he finds stolen wallets in dumpsters to return to their owners. Ariel tells Santamaria's story to a TV reporter who profiles lives on the street. She's Laura, in a relationship with another woman, but perhaps available. Ariel desires Laura, while Santamaria courts Elsa, a washroom attendant who's husband is in prison. Christmas and Hanukkah approach; can anyone connect?

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