Ellie Jackson /Film Panel

by | May 12, 2015 | Film

The ‘Mad Scientist’

This presentation takes a look into gender; more specifically how masculinity has changed over the years and its portrayal within film. The presentation exhibits these points through a Hammer Horror classic The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and a more recent addition to Hammers collection The Quiet Ones (2014). It focuses on the male ‘Mad Scientist’ within these films and closely analyses his traits and attributes.  The men themselves will be dissected as a character to demonstrate the progressive journey, as well as his personality, that leads him to embodying the ‘mad scientist’. With close reference to Donna Haraway’s theory of the ‘monster’ it drives the presentation forward into looking at the creations of these scientists and the lengths in which they are willing to go in the name of ‘science’. By disturbing the balance of nature, comes the inevitable consequences that will be brought to light through various events that will be explored in the films. The relationship these men hold with women will be discussed through the use of Judith Butlers theory of women being a ‘threat’ and the fear of ‘female castration’ in order to exhibit the women’s role in society at the time and how they are treated by these men; as a distraction and an object. This leads into the final section of the presentation delving into the historical context of the time in which these movies are set and how these films are used as a medium, embedded with reflecting fears and anxieties.

Olivia Harwood /Film Panel

by | May 12, 2015 | Film

“Thinking outside ‘the box’ gender representations on the screen

This presentation focuses on the way in which women are represented by the media within the surfing industry. It firstly will discuss the way in which both male and female surfers are portrayed leading to discuss how only female surfers are represented. It will highlight the way in which two contrasting professional surfers are currently represented, both recognised for their surfing ability yet focusing on how one is more recognised due to her making a career in modelling based on her appearance. I will then be discussing and analysing three surfing films that portray women in three different lights. The first film is Blue Crush, (2002) and is directed by a male. The portrayal of the women in this film is interesting due the director being male. The second film I will be analysing is Point Break, (1991). A female directs this film and it is interesting to analyse the way in which females are represented in a mediocre way represented as surfers not as sexual objects. The third film being analysed is Soul Surfer, (2011). This film is based on a true-life story and follows the lifestyle of a young female surfer who got attacked by a shark and lost her arm. As a female surfer myself I will be highlighting the way in which I feel the industry represents women and how I feel women should be recognised for their athletic skills in the sport not just their appearance and looks.