VSA4007

Gender and genre: masculinity in film

Proposed to be offered next in 2000

Leonie Naughton

10 points - 4 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisite: Either VSA1050, VSA2190 or VA103.06 - Prohibitions: VSA3007

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to demonstrate familiarity with recent debates and issues in gender studies; critical insight into popular film culture and an understanding of the conventions of genre; a critical awareness of the operations of patriarchal ideology, its impact upon popular film culture, and the sexual and social identities it generates for mass consumption; a capacity to critically evaluate and apply theoretical proposals to relevant films; a thorough understanding of film form, film language and the operations of classical narrative. Students will be required to critically engage with written and filmic texts in a clear and confident manner in both written and oral presentation. Students will be required to undertake research and display a capacity to synthesise their knowledge on a high level. In preparing their essays, students will be required to read extensively and deal with challenging readings. Students will also be expected to extend the critical, analytical and interpretive skills acquired in earlier years of film study.

Synopsis This subject focuses on representations of masculinity in mainstream film. It invites critical engagement with the sexual politics and ideological operations of various film genres and generic hybrids. Feminist film theory and debates which address the construction of sexual difference and male subjectivity through film will be examined. Emphasis will be placed upon shifting definitions of masculinity in the gangster film, suspense thrillers and comedies of the sexes. Shifts from the male machismo of the 1980s muscle movie will be examined along with the emphasis many 1990s films place upon masculinity as masquerade and excess. Homoeroticism and the commodification of the male body will be discussed in relation to martial arts films and genres such as romance. Consideration will be given to characterisation in recent male melodramas and the heroic, mythic and psychotic identities male protagonists assume in much mainstream film.

Assessment Two essays (3000 words each): 40% each - Test (1 hour): 20%

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