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Rather

Name: Rather
Director: Frank Marshall
Released: 2023
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2023

Director

Frank Marshall

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary centers on Dan Rather’s career, framing journalism as a moral duty against political spin. Male perspectives dominate the narrative, with women serving primarily as commentators or family members. Racial diversity is minimal, though Andrew Young’s presence adds historical weight to the civil rights segments. The film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, remaining a conventional profile of a public figure.

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Category Breakdown

Does Rather have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

No LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or identities appear in the documentary. The narrative focuses exclusively on the professional and personal life of a heterosexual male journalist.

How does Rather portray gender?

Fair

The story is driven by male figures, including Dan Rather, CBS executives, and political leaders. Women appear in supporting roles, such as his daughter Robin and media critic Margaret Sullivan, but they do not drive the central conflict.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Rather?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white. Andrew Young appears as a civil rights activist, providing historical context on the civil rights movement. Other figures, such as historians and executives, are white men.

How does Rather represent religion and culture?

Good

The film treats journalistic integrity and truth-seeking as moral virtues. It critiques the Bush administration’s handling of the Iraq War and questions the reliability of political institutions. Faith is mentioned as a personal source of comfort for Rather.

Does Rather include disability representation?

Minimal

No characters with disabilities are depicted. The documentary focuses on professional career milestones, political conflicts, and media history without addressing physical or mental health conditions.

Present on Screen

Andrew Young provides historical context on the civil rights movement, adding depth to the narrative.
The film critiques the Bush administration’s justification for the Iraq War, highlighting media-government tension.
Journalistic integrity and truth-seeking are presented as clear moral virtues throughout the documentary.

Limited or Absent

Women appear only in supporting or commentary roles, lacking central narrative agency.
No LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex relationships are depicted in the documentary.
Racial diversity is limited to one prominent Black figure, with the rest of the cast being white.

Official Synopsis

For decades, Dan Rather delivered the news with authenticity, integrity and courage. RATHER chronicles his rise to prominence, sudden and dramatic public downfall, and redemption and re-emergence as a voice of reason to a new generation.

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