Jemile Kendjer

‘Troubling Genre/Reconstructing Gender’ by E. Ann Kaplan

 

For my reflection I chose the essay written by Kaplan on women’s film– the feminist rise in cinema. I grew up watching a lot of horror movies (in particular) and I’m familiar with the traditional roles that women and girls are often stuck with- particularly within this genre. But Kaplan shines the light on a growing genre in cinema that is subverting these stereotypes and creating more interesting characters to watch and relate to. 

Point 1: Film genres are used to reinforce gender stereotypes and power relationships.

Kaplan explores how film genres are used to reinforce gender constructs- limiting women to a limited number of roles based on outdated stereotypes. A system that prevents the representation of true and complex female characters in film. However, these genres, like gender, are also a construct that are utilised by Hollywood to market films. This means that genre can be collapsed and reconstructed. Rebuilt to break down power dynamics and gendered stereotypes that hold women back and provide true representation on the screen.  

Point 2: Women’s film integrated aspects of existing cinema genres, while also subverting the gender stereotypes and the viewers expectations. 

Kaplan provides examples of two genres of film that women’s cinema have reimagined free of the gendered expectations that are typically expected in these sorts of films- horror and film noir. This movement was pioneered by feminist activists and female directors who in spite of the largely misogynistic and male dominated industry created their own form of cinema. 

This was achieved by creating complex and interesting characters beyond the prototype characters that women were tied to “the virgin/whore” “mother/mistress” or the “femme fatale” . Therefore, breaking down these stale genres and opening the door for new interpretations that cross boundaries and re-imagine the old with fresh ideas. 

By deconstructing existing genres of film, women’s cinema is establishing itself as a new genre of film that is exciting to see, creating better representation on the screen and reflecting the social and political change we are seeing around the world in regards to gender.