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Going Undercover

Name: Going Undercover
Director: James Kenelm Clarke
Released: 1988
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

2.8/10

Limited

1988

PG-13

Director

James Kenelm Clarke

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Going Undercover is a conventional 1980s comedy that relies heavily on established character archetypes. The plot focuses on situational humor derived from the incompetence of a private investigator rather than exploring complex social identities. The film does not offer any characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity or systemic critiques. It operates within a standard Western framework, using traditional gender and racial dynamics common to its time period. While the female client initiates the plot, the narrative remains centered on a male-driven comedic struggle, offering little in the way of progressive representation or diverse perspectives.

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Category Breakdown

Does Going Undercover have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story revolves around a traditional client-protector relationship without addressing assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Going Undercover portray gender?

Fair

Maxine de la Hunt plays a significant role as the client, but the story primarily centers on a male protagonist. Henry Brilliant’s bumbling nature challenges the typical image of a competent male hero through comedic incompetence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Going Undercover?

Limited

The cast seems to follow the traditional demographic norms of the era. There are no indications of non-Anglo-Saxon characters or a diverse ethnic cast.

How does Going Undercover represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story follows a conventional Western comedic framework centered on familial responsibility. It lacks themes that challenge Western or secularist narrative structures.

Does Going Undercover include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Maxine de la Hunt, the female client, initiates the plot, giving her a significant role.
Henry Brilliant’s incompetence challenges the typical image of a competent male hero.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
The narrative adheres to traditional Western-centric demographic norms and lacks racial diversity.
There is an absence of characters representing various disabilities or multi-layered identities.

Official Synopsis

Forever bungling private investigator Henry Brilliant has been hired by Maxine de la Hunt to protect her step-daughter Marigold during her trip to Denmark. A real caring parent should have hired an army of P.I.s to protect Marigold from Mr. Brilliant. His name, he's not.

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