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The Competition

The Competition

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2017

Not Rated

Director

Claire Simon

Runtime

119 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Claire Simon’s documentary provides a critical look at the prestige of La Fémis. It strips away the romanticized view of film history to reveal the raw, precarious work involved in entering the industry. The film successfully portrays the industry as a place where tradition and emerging identities constantly interact. It shifts focus from the 'great man' narrative to multifaceted individuals. While the film captures a contemporary, diverse social reality, it lacks concrete examples of physical disabilities. The focus remains primarily on the psychological pressures of institutional gatekeeping.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Competition have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The documentary naturally showcases the identities of aspiring filmmakers, including those who identify outside of traditional heterosexual norms. It presents a contemporary social reality without relying on preconceived stereotypes.

How does The Competition portray gender?

Good

The film highlights women competing for creative control in an industry traditionally dominated by men. It captures the tension between established figures and the diverse viewpoints of the candidates.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Competition?

Fair

The candidate pool reflects the diverse ethnic makeup of modern French society. This demographic range challenges the notion of a singular, traditional cinematic heritage.

How does The Competition represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional Western institutions by presenting talent through a more flexible perspective. It humanizes those often sidelined by the rigid structures of high culture.

Does The Competition include disability representation?

Minimal

The film explores psychological stress and anxiety during high-stakes testing. However, there is insufficient information to assess specific physical or diagnosed disabilities.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges the myth of the effortless auteur by revealing systemic vulnerability.
  • Offers a nuanced view of gender dynamics within cinematic hierarchies.
  • Reflects the multicultural reality of modern French society through its candidate pool.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks sufficient evidence to address specific physical or diagnosed disabilities.
  • Does not center specific LGBTQ themes, relying instead on observational presence.

Official Synopsis

An all-access tour behind the scenes at France’s premiere film school, La Fémis. Showing us how successful candidates get to follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Louis Malle, François Ozon and Alain Resnais, all of whom attended this prestigious institution. Stumbling over their words, the often-nervous candidates seem vulnerable when confronted with the veterans of the industry, who have the difficult task of discovering true talent among all these eager young people.

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