‘Elmer Gantry’ focuses strongly on complex personalities and moral ambiguity, not modern identity politics. Casting and character focus is on talent and fitting the story rather than diversity for the sake of it. The story’s dramatic tension and narrative cohesion remain intact, with no sign of characters being flawless or untouchable based on their identity traits.

The film critiques religious hypocrisy and touches on issues of morality, but its approach is more satirical and critical of individual behavior rather than attacking traditional religion, masculinity, or family as outdated institutions. There’s some subversion of religious authority, but it doesn’t feel targeted at broader cultural foundations.

While the film certainly questions organized religion and exposes duplicity, it does so through flawed, multifaceted characters. Traditional beliefs aren’t purely demonized, and there is room for debate and multiple perspectives, avoiding a one-note modern ideological message.