Male and female roles in cinema
Since the start of cinema in 1896 , the roles man and women play in films have been subject to a continual evolution, due largely to the influence of current social values. Filmmakers use traditional gender stereotypes in order to present viewers with characters they can easily recognise and relate to, by portraying a conventional image of a person or group of people with identifiable characteristics. Films still perpetuate established gender roles because they reflect dominant patriarchal ideals, effectively reinforcing the stereotypes and presenting them as 'natural'. Over time there has been a gradual transition in the role of the woman in film. The fundamental role was that of a submissive housewife, but has been subject to much variation since the women's movement in the 1960's. The role of the man in cinema has long been established as the masculine hero, shown in a more dominant and powerful light as the respected protagonist. In this sense, Robin Wood's depiction of male and female roles in the film industry is accurate. However, the gender roles in modern cinema contrast significantly to traditional roles, as stereotyping of females and males diminish due to society's recognition of female emancipation. Though the changes
The men are shown in familial roles such as husband and father, but unlike their female equivalent also lead a life outside their family. Though differing slightly in a number of respects, male hero is evident in a number of different genres, ranging from war movies to Western movies. The "Emotive Woman" is seen in poignant roles such as the sexually enticing character played by Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The burgeoning market in men's magazines, fitness products, fashion and skincare products is an indication of the increases importance of appearance to men. Although there are still various representations of traditional male and female roles in film, modern cinema has acknowledged the liberation of women in society and a result offers a variety of roles for women. "The career woman is commonly represented in films of late, from movies such as The Working Girl to What Women Want. the female is given only powerless victimised figures who, far from perfect, reinforce the basic sense of worthlessness that already exists. The ideal woman in society is no longer required to fit the mould of the submissive housewife. This role was originally created in the 1940's as one of the leading characters in film noir, a post-war genre characterised by dramatic black and white cinematography and the doomed fate of the protagonist. let alone to the male spectator identifying with female heroes or protagonists or even victims. Traditionally, men are shown as the sole earner of their family, and as such gain supremacy over their dependant relations. " Women depicted in this light were generally of a dependant and submissive nature, contributing to the story on a passive basis rather than taking an active role. Though these cases serve to prove Robin Wood's representation of gender roles as correct, the women's movement in the 1960's ensured the evolution of the roles of men and women in modern cinema. Another aspect of the woman's role that has been subject to change over the last 50 years has been the appearance of the woman. However, the 21st century woman juggles a career as well.
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Acceptance Essays
