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Power

Name: Power
Director: Sidney Lumet
Released: 1986
Duration: 111 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1986

Director

Sidney Lumet

Runtime

111 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sidney Lumet’s *Power* offers a sophisticated deconstruction of political corruption and ethical erosion. It challenges the notion of the state as a benevolent institution through a lens of moral relativism. However, the film’s narrow demographic focus limits its social breadth by excluding diverse identities. While it provides a powerful critique of systemic power and institutional corruption, it fails to incorporate diverse gender dynamics or racial variety.

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Category Breakdown

Does Power have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any LGBTQ+ characters, staying within a heterosexual context.

How does Power portray gender?

Limited

The film upholds strict gender hierarchies where female characters play minor roles and have limited influence over the main male power struggle.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Power?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting a homogeneous 1980s political environment with few characters of color in key roles.

How does Power represent religion and culture?

Good

The film effectively critiques Western institutions and systemic corruption but lacks explicit anti-capitalist or anti-religious messaging.

Does Power include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any prominent characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides a sophisticated critique of systemic power and institutional corruption.
Effectively deconstructs the concept of the state as a benevolent force.
Offers a compelling exploration of moral relativism and situational ethics.

Limited or Absent

Lacks diverse casting and characters of color in key roles.
Does not include LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by focusing on an exclusively male power struggle.

Official Synopsis

Pete St. John is a powerful and successful political consultant, with clients spread around the country. When his long-time friend and client Ohio senator Sam Hastings decides to quit politics, he is rapidly drafted to help with the campaign of the man destined to succeed him, unknown and mysterious businessman Jerome Cade...

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