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Common collocations with portrayal in American Collocation

portrayal noun countable/uncountable

US /pɔrˈtreɪəl/

honest, even about bad things

frank
gritty
truthful
uncompromising
unflinching

‘Mean Streets’ is Scorsese’s brutal, unflinching portrayal of violence.

seeming real

convincing
realistic
vivid

Wright’s vivid portrayal of growing up makes compelling reading.

accurate/not accurate

accurate
inaccurate

It’s a more accurate portrayal of the legal system than most thrillers.

negative or unfair

negative
stereotyped
stereotypical

The stereotypical portrayal of a drink-driver is as a man in middle age.

showing affection or understanding

affectionate
sympathetic

As a director he is known for his sympathetic portrayal of women.

skilful or subtle

masterful
masterly
nuanced

Newman earned an Oscar nomination for his nuanced portrayal of the former sports hero.

revealing many personal details

intimate

The 90-minute film is an intimate portrayal of the Cuban leader.

sad

moving
poignant
touching

I found the novel a poignant portrayal of the effects of war.

shocking or frightening

chilling
harrowing
haunting
searing

This is a witty but chilling portrayal of the last decadent days of the French aristocracy.

in a particular form

cinematic
fictional
film
media
on-screen
screen
television

The movie is a fictional portrayal of a modern-day Robin Hood.