You are here:

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Name: Floyd Norman: An Animated Life
Director: Michael Fiore, Erik Sharkey
Released: 2016
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

5.8/10

Fair

2016

Not Rated

Director

Michael Fiore, Erik Sharkey

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a crucial historical document that challenges the traditional view of animation history. By focusing on the experiences of a Black pioneer, the film adds a necessary perspective to the professional history of the industry. The documentary effectively highlights individual ability to act against systemic barriers. It goes beyond a simple biography to explore how a underrepresented figure navigated and influenced a major Western institution. While the film excels in its critique of racial and cultural issues, it lacks representation in other areas. The narrative is primarily focused on the professional journey of a male figure.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Floyd Norman: An Animated Life have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary does not focus on LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. It avoids negative stereotypes but does not include these identities prominently.

How does Floyd Norman: An Animated Life portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on the career journey of a male figure. It provides a detailed look at his professional life without directly examining gender roles or hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Floyd Norman: An Animated Life?

Excellent

The film highlights the career of Floyd Norman, the first African-American animator at Disney. It showcases the challenges he faced due to systemic racism within a major corporation.

How does Floyd Norman: An Animated Life represent religion and culture?

Good

The documentary critiques the structure of large institutions. It highlights the tension between individual talent and the impersonal nature of big corporations like Disney.

Does Floyd Norman: An Animated Life include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within this biographical work.

Present on Screen

Provides a powerful study of racial ability to act and influence in the animation industry.
Challenges the conventional view of mid-20th century animation history.
Offers a nuanced critique of institutional structures and corporate rigidity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or focus on LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address disability or neurodivergent perspectives.
The narrative is mainly centered on a single male perspective.

Official Synopsis

Animator. Storyman. Troublemaker. At 80 years old, see how Disney Legend Floyd Norman, the first African-American animator at Disney, continues to impact animation and stir up "trouble" after the company forced him to retire at age 65.

How are these scores produced? →