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The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll

Name: The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll
Director: Terence Fisher
Released: 1960
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

1.4/10

Minimal

1960

Approved

Director

Terence Fisher

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Terence Fisher’s 1960 horror classic is a product of its time, emphasizing a traditional moral framework over social disruption. The film focuses almost entirely on the internal psychological duality of its male protagonist, leaving little room for diverse perspectives. The narrative structure reinforces established Victorian hierarchies. By centering the conflict on a single man's scientific hubris, the film maintains a homogeneous social landscape that lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity. While the film employs psychological transformation as a central plot device, it does not offer meaningful representation of lived experiences. It remains a quintessential example of mid-century genre filmmaking that upholds conventional social norms.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film adheres to strict assumptions about everyone being straight and cisgender. It does not depict any non-straight or non-cisgender identities or provide any queer undertones.

How does The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll portray gender?

Limited

Female characters are portrayed in traditional roles with limited influence. The story centers around masculine authority and the male lead's journey towards mastering himself.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll?

Minimal

The cast is primarily white, depicting a homogeneous Victorian London. There is no inclusion of non-Anglo-Saxon characters or diverse viewpoints.

How does The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll represent religion and culture?

Minimal

The story upholds Western institutional stability through a traditional moral contrast. It serves as a cautionary tale about scientific arrogance and social order.

Does The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll include disability representation?

Limited

The transformation into Hyde symbolizes a loss of psychological control. However, this serves as a horror plot device rather than a nuanced portrayal of disability.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear and impactful exploration of psychological duality and the loss of control.
It maintains a consistent and atmospheric Victorian setting that aligns with its historical period.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks representation of non-straight or non-cisgender identities or queer undertones.
Female characters are confined to peripheral roles without significant influence.
The cast lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a very narrow social landscape.
Disability is used as a horror cliché rather than a nuanced character element.

Official Synopsis

After a series of scientific experiments directed towards freeing the inner man and controlling human personalities, the kindly, generous Dr Henry Jekyll succeeds in freeing his own alter ego, Edward Hyde, a sadistic, evil creature whose pleasure is murder.

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