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Cross Country

Name: Cross Country
Director: Paul Lynch
Released: 1983
Duration: 104 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1983

Director

Paul Lynch

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Cross Country is a gritty, genre-driven crime thriller that prioritizes momentum over social commentary. The story follows a fugitive husband, a drifter, and a corrupt officer on a cross-country journey. The film relies on traditional archetypes, such as the victim and the corrupt authority figure. While it challenges the image of the moral lawman, it does not expand its scope to include diverse identities. Ultimately, the production focuses on a narrow, crime-centric narrative framework without a commitment to storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cross Country have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. Interpersonal relationships follow traditional heterosexual norms throughout the story.

How does Cross Country portray gender?

Fair

The story centers around male characters, both heroes and villains. Female characters primarily serve as victims or companions, lacking significant individual roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cross Country?

Limited

Despite the New York and road trip settings offering potential for diversity, the cast appears largely homogeneous. There is no indication of intentional racial diversity.

How does Cross Country represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film critiques systemic corruption through a corrupt police officer. However, it remains a standard crime thriller without delving into cultural critique.

Does Cross Country include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The film does not address neurodivergent or physical accessibility themes.

Present on Screen

Challenges the 'competent lawman' archetype by portraying a corrupt officer driven by personal gain.
Uses a gritty, non-linear narrative structure to maintain crime-driven momentum.

Limited or Absent

Lacks significant female roles, as women are often portrayed as victims or companions.
Does not include LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight-centered identities.
Does not engage with disability representation or neurodivergent themes.
Misses opportunities for racial diversity despite the expansive road trip setting.

Official Synopsis

After a woman is found butchered in her New York apartment, suspicion falls on her estranged husband, an ad executive who has suddenly left town on a cross-country road trip. He takes along a beautiful girl he met in a bar and a drifter he picked up along the way. A cop sets out after the husband, but he's more interested in shaking him down than bringing him back.

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