Tarantino usually reverses th oppressed and the oppressors
Django:
Slave being give. The gun to gold by Schultz
Django hurting slave owner who is injured by horse
Schultz frees remaining slaves
Django and broomhilda only two remaining
Inglorious Basterds:
Shoshanna family murdered, is oppressed as is a Jew and a woman = gets revenge and becomes the oppressor of the oppressed by killing all of the nazis in her theatre
The film Children of Men follows Clive Owen's character Theo. It is set in the near future of 2027; the world is experiencing human extinction as the rest of the remaining population has lost it's ability to reproduce the human race. The film starts to unravel once we, the audience discover that Kee is pregnant. From this point onwards it is Theo's 'mission' to get Kee to the safe place.
The outline of the film highlights the main theme of the film; survival. This is similar to the film V for Vendetta in some ways. Although the film V for Vendetta varies slightly as the theme is not portrayed clearly or obviously based around chaotic, end of the world survival, it still tackles this theme and issue. The totalitarian, fascist government is controlling and oppressing the lives of the public so that they are merely living and surviving. We also know from V's backstory that he, and many other groups that were deviant to the government's ideas, such as homosexuals and muslims, were experimented on in concentration camps. We later find out that the main reason why V wears a mask is because he was burnt by the fire of the concentration camps, however he survived. This results in his revenge against the government.
Another key theme or idea that is relevant within both of the films is the theme of realism. Both of the films are set in a near, foreseeable future, therefore because of this the audience can relate to the film's messages and values more, as these become more prominent rather than being hidden through entertainment aspects. Both tackle issues that could happen or have happened in the past. For example, V for Vendetta tackles the oppressive, controlling fascist government and the use of concentration camps to oppress and control minority groups. This incorporates a level of relatable realism into the film as this is evident in history of Nazi Germany. Therefore the audience understand that this could happen to them, making the film's messages and values more prominent.
Children of Men tackles issues that could happen or have happened, although the human race have not experienced the issue of not being able to reproduce, the riots and chaos that it has caused are evident in all societies. The film is set in England, but for the first half, mainly London, which itself has experienced first hand riots and chaos similar to what is portrayed in the film. Therefore the audience can relate to this.
The two films are also similar through their narrative structure. Both films do not follow a linear structure but jump back and forth through time, this is most likely to portray the extent that the world has come to. Children of Men and V for Vendetta also have unclear protagonists. At first glance, one would believe that in both films the protagonist is the male; Theo in Children of men and V in V for Vendetta. When, in my opinion, it is in fact the female characters who develop to become the protagonist after all, and drive the narrative. For example, if Evey's character did not develop into a stronger woman, or exist at all, the ending or climax of the film would not occur as it is Evey who blows up Parliament once V has died. Similarly in Children of Men, it is Kee that drives the narrative, without her or her pregnancy the world would most likely reach a chaotic end. This therefore brings me to the shared theme of oppression. That the oppressed in both films become uplifted and stronger towards the end of the narrative.
The Oedipal Complex could also be seen through both of the films. Children of Men, as I previously stated, is based during a time when the human race could no longer reproduce, therefore after a generation, there would be a generation who were not mothers and fathers due to this factor. The Oepidal Complex is the idea that one will seek similarities of the parent of the opposite sex through their partner.
In both films, the protagonist seeks a neutral male who does not seem to be on either side of the conflict throughout the film. In my opinion these characters in both films represent the Oedipal Complex. For example, Evey seeks out Dietrich in V for Vendetta. We later find out that Evey's parents were taken away during the night when she was a child. Therefore, I believe that Evey is seeking a father figure through the character of Dietrich. In both of the films, this male provides comfort and is seen as the safe place for the protagonists, however as both of the film's narratives develop, we see both of these 'father figure' males are killed by the oppressive government or opposition, once the protagonists have left. This could portray that this is their role; that they are the father figure to the protagonist and once they have been let go of, their role has been for filled, and therefore he (Dietrich or Jasper in Children of Men) must die, as the role has been lost.
The style of the two films are similar due to the colour and lighting use, this is most likely due to the themes that they tackle. Both of the films incorporate dim lighting and dull colours into the sets. In both films we do not see any signs of nature (except from when we meet with Jasper in Children of Men, which could portray that he is the good in the film. However, we also know that the nature he is emerged with is drug related, therefore this could be a coping mechanism. We also see Dietrich and Evey drinking alcohol, which could also be a coping mechanism.) Because we do not see any signs or nature in either film, it portrays to the audience the idea of the end of the world and that this has come to an end through human infliction, as the technology or human development has taken over and destroyed nature. The only signs of nature that is portrayed through both films is rain which is used as pathetic fallacy; to indicate or foreshadow bad events occurring.
The film of V for Vendetta, subverts many stereotypical aspects of a typical Hollywood film. One of which is the gender roles. The stereotypical gender roles are subverted to portray the message of the film; not to be passive but to be active. At a glance, the film seems to be a sexist one, which disapproves of femininity, however after studying the gender roles portrayed in v, it is clear that the film praises feminine traits. Throughout the film, we clearly see the gender roles of the mother and father, which are portrayed throughout many different characters and develop and change throughout. these can be seen through V, Evie, Sutler and Valerie.
The film uses aspects of psycho-sexual symbols such as phallic, yonic and orgasmic imagery, birthing, hyper-masculation, mother and father figure roles; through nurturing and masculine characteristics, and moreover, the Opedipal Complex.
Psycho-sexual symbolism is portrayed throughout the film. One key scene in the film is the God is in the Rain scene. This scene incorporated many of the aspects that I previously mentioned. The scene begins with Evie walking and V holding onto her to support her, as at this point in the film Evie is still weak and passive; a characteristic femininity. The characters juxtapose one another in terms of their appearance; Evie's head has been shaved from V's mock prison camp, which ultimately takes away her femininity that she holds at the beginning, and also contributes to her losing her fear. This contrasts to V's aesthetic as he wears a mask heavily covered in make up (similar to Evie in the beginning scene of the film) and has long, feminine hair.
The scene heavily incorporates psycho-sexual symbolism. It soon begins to rain, this leads Evie to freely go out and embrace the rain. Not only has her feminine appearance been taken away from her, but the rain also symbolises phallic imagery. Evie then holds up her arms, almost symbolising Jesus on the cross; here she is clearly embracing the rain, symbolising her freedom. This contrasts to how she was portrayed at the beginning, holding her coat wrapped tightly around her as a form of protection, and seeing male protection from her boss, Dietrich. Her character development symbolises her being reborn, therefore backing up my previous point birthing being incorporated into the film
This scene this juxtaposed with V's birthing scene, that we see during the time of the Evie's, using the editing technique of cross-cutting. V's birthing scene juxtaposes Evie's as he is burning in the fire from the experimenting camp. Although, they both form similar stances to one another, it is clear that V is burning within his vengeance for the government, whereas Evie is reviving in her freedom. V is also burning through fire which symbolises the orgasm, contrasting heavily to the element that Evie is embracing. This also portrays the idea of hyper-masculation; the fact that V has not died within this fire portrays him with a masculine superpower.
The scene then cuts to a clip of Evie embracing and accepting the rain even more heavily, this symbolises an orgasm. We see V standing behind her watching, which therefore portrays him as a mother figure type; nurturing her character development, and watching her grow.
The Opedipus Complex is portrayed throughout the film. Later on in the film, we, the audience understand that Evie is a troubled woman; who witnessed her parent's kidnapping when she was younger. The Opedipus Complex is the idea that one will search for similar characteristics of the opposing sex parent, within their partner or companion. In my opinion, this is conveyed through the first scene of the film. We understand that Evie is going to see her boss, Dietrich. At first, one may believe that this is due to sexual persuasion for promotional factors, however once we understand that her boss is actually homosexual, the idea of the Oedipus Complex comes to mind; that instead of sexual interests, Evie was seeking Dietrich as a male father figure. This therefore brings both the Oedipus Complex and father figures.
The idea of a father figure too is portrayed throughout the character of Sutler. When V (who is disguised) is telling a story of how the virus was concurred at the expense of others, including V. Within this scene, V explains that Sutler is an "extremely religious man", meanwhile he is standing in front of a chanting crowd. This scene brings to mind Nazi Germany; during this period, the idea of family was heavily enforced. The that that Sutler is also highly religious also contributes to the idea of family being an important factor. At this point, the public are looking up to Sutler and cheering at him. His hierarchy is portrayed through a low angle shot. His strength, hierarchy and power are all masculine traits that portray him as a public father figure.
Similarly to the idea of a father figure, mother figures are too portrayed throughout the film. This is seen through V, who switches through both mother and father roles in the film. But also, and probably more subtly, Valerie. The scene, Valerie's Letter portrays Valerie's story and provides hope to Evie at her lowest point, this nurtures her in this way, a motherly trait.
A big aspect of psycho-sexual symbolism that occurs throughout the film is yonic imagery, which is often conflicting and challenging phallic imagery.
We see yonic imagery appear throughout the film, this is portrayed through the red rose. A rose is stereotypically used to portray yonic imagery. This is relevant whenever V kills someone. As I previously mentioned, the film's message is to revolt through a passive way; a feminine trait is to be passive, which links to the placement of the roses.
Yonic imagery is heavily present throughout the ending scene, where Parliament is destroyed. We see yonic imagery through the red roses that are placed on V's chest; this again, symbolises the message of the film, to revolt passively, which again is a female trait. The fact that the roses are placed around V, portrays him as a symbol of passive revolution. The roses are also placed upon and around him almost to symbolise a halo, portraying that he was the good.
We also see the decline of phallic imagery within this scene. It is located after a heavily phallic induced fight scene, which portrays the loss of phallic imagery within the ending, and the extent and rise of yonic imagery. This is seen when Creedy relaxes and puts down his gun, symbolising the weakened emphasis and control of phallic imagery.
We then see yonic imagery challenge and overpower phallic imagery. The Houses of Parliament; a male dominated democracy is being destroyed by explosions that symbolise yonic imagery and the orgasm. Not only is Parliament mainly male dominated but it also symbolises phallic imagery in appearance. The passive revolution (because no one is hurt) destroys this phallic imagery through orgasmic and yonic imagery, symbolising once again the main message of the film; to overthrow the government passively. Therefore, by doing so, the government has become passive and female.
"He was my father and my mother..." This symbolises coherently to the audience my previous point of gender roles, especially the mother and father parental roles. Within the last few minutes of the film, Evie remembers V by clearly explaining this point. V nurtured, cared and provided for the country, representing both parental roles. "He was you and he was me" meaning that by uniting together, we can all form as one. Within the final scene, the idea of birthing is again brought up. The Houses of Parliament is destroyed, and the public take to the streets, forming together as one body; this therefore symbolises the idea of rebirthing; the public and society will be reborn into a new one.
The film V for Vendetta represents stereotypical gender roles throughout the film, however these are often subverted and distorted to an extent. The film uses this to communicate the messages of the film across to the viewer. One of the main messages of the film is to revolt and take to the streets passively, which is a prominent female trait. The film celebrates the idea of feminine traits, these can be seen throughout the film, through yonic imagery, orgasmic imagery, the positive and praised portrayal of the mother role compared to the destructive role of the father. It can also be seen through the number of birthing or rebirthing scenes in the film.
Thesis: Introduction includes the answer to the question Point: Representation of gender/mother/father Example: Scene and analysis of MICRO/symbol; yonic/phallic/orgasm Analysis: What is being communicated/messages; role of female;passive/fear ; role of male; threat
Valerie; nurtures Evie's character development, at Evie's lowest point she nurtures her.
Sutler; nazi GERMANY; family values. Sutler is the father to Creedy; he kills him to gain control; opedipus complex. The population are female because they are fearful. The fuher ; the fatherland that protects.
Dietrich; her boss; Evie looking towards him as a father figure. Dietrich is emasculated and feminised. When we discover his sexuality
Gender roles are subverted; not to be passive but to be active, portrayed through masculinity; men are active, women are passive
Revolution: guns = phallic
Roses=symbolising yonic imagery/death
Lever; can blow up parliment; phallic imagery results in yonic imagery
Creedy points down his gun; flaccid phallic imagery; surrendering, emasculated
Passive revolution which is a feminine trait; celebrating female virtue.
Yonic and phallic imagery; train in the tunnel; birthing scene; Evie turns into a mother figure, birthing freedom and revolution.
Blowing up Parliment; a male dominant democracy; destroying it with symbolism of yonic orgasms; blowing up big ben; destruction of yonic;
He was my father and my mother; taking on both roles.
Every character who was killed by the government returns at the end.
Opedial Complex; father/mother/nurturer role:V cooking for Evie, looking after her; taking the mother role.
Oedipal Complex; we know that Evie is going to Dietrich (her boss)'s house after curfew, however she almost gets raped; looking for a father figure
Opedial Complex; Evie's parents get kidnapped
Psycho-sexual aspects; phallic and yonic; men act, women appear; birth/procreation; hyper-masculinity: Evie and V's juxtaposition rebirthing scene; God is in the rain; phallic and yonic imagery; V emasculated with his vengeance, Evie revived and enjoying her freedom.
Hyper-masculinity: Evie gets her head shaved; de-feminised, becomes more masculine with her characteristics
-Hyper-masculinity -Phallic and yonic imagery
Phallic imagery; the hammer in Thor; standing upright, if laying down = flaccid
A rose is a yonic symbol; significant in V for Vendetta, V uses them when he kills people. V was birthed out of hate; he was experimented on due to going against the norms; hated; muslim, disagreed with the government, homosexual, diseased/disabled, not white; he had revenge upon these people.
-Mother/father/birth/procreation/nurturer V is birthed out of hate.
-Oedipal Complex
The idea of looking towards your mother or father figure in your partner -Men act / women appear; voyeurism, women to be looked at
Current;y, men can appear and women can act for the female point of view.
