Female Masochism in Film

Sexuality, Ethics and Aesthetics

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Women&
Cover of the book Female Masochism in Film by Ruth McPhee, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ruth McPhee ISBN: 9781317135999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Ruth McPhee
ISBN: 9781317135999
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Theoretically and representationally, responses to heterosexual female masochism have ranged from neglect in theories that focus predominantly or only upon masochistic sexuality within male subjects, to condemnation from feminists who regard it as an inverted expression of patriarchal control rather than a legitimate form of female desire. It has commonly been understood as a passive form of sexuality, thus ignoring the potential for activity and agency that the masochistic position may involve, which underpins the crucial argument that female masochism can be conceived as enquiring ethical activity. Taking as its subject the works of Jane Campion, Catherine Breillat, Michael Haneke and Lars von Trier as well as the films Secretary (Steven Shainberg), Dans Ma Peau (Marina de Van), Red Road (Andrea Arnold, 2006) Amer (Hélène Cattat and Bruno Forzani), and Sleeping Beauty (Julia Leigh), Female Masochism in Film avoids these reductive and simplistic approaches by focusing on the ambivalences and intricacies of this type of sexuality and subjectivity. Using the philosophical writings of Kristeva, Irigaray, Lacan, Scarry, and Bataille, McPhee argues that masochism cannot and should not be considered aside from its ethical and intersubjective implications, and furthermore, that the aesthetic tendencies emerging across these films - obscenity, extremity, confrontation and a transgressive, ambiguous form of beauty - are strongly related to these implications. Ultimately, this complex and novel work calls upon the spectator and the theorist to reconsider normative ideas about desire, corporeality, fantasy and suffering.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Theoretically and representationally, responses to heterosexual female masochism have ranged from neglect in theories that focus predominantly or only upon masochistic sexuality within male subjects, to condemnation from feminists who regard it as an inverted expression of patriarchal control rather than a legitimate form of female desire. It has commonly been understood as a passive form of sexuality, thus ignoring the potential for activity and agency that the masochistic position may involve, which underpins the crucial argument that female masochism can be conceived as enquiring ethical activity. Taking as its subject the works of Jane Campion, Catherine Breillat, Michael Haneke and Lars von Trier as well as the films Secretary (Steven Shainberg), Dans Ma Peau (Marina de Van), Red Road (Andrea Arnold, 2006) Amer (Hélène Cattat and Bruno Forzani), and Sleeping Beauty (Julia Leigh), Female Masochism in Film avoids these reductive and simplistic approaches by focusing on the ambivalences and intricacies of this type of sexuality and subjectivity. Using the philosophical writings of Kristeva, Irigaray, Lacan, Scarry, and Bataille, McPhee argues that masochism cannot and should not be considered aside from its ethical and intersubjective implications, and furthermore, that the aesthetic tendencies emerging across these films - obscenity, extremity, confrontation and a transgressive, ambiguous form of beauty - are strongly related to these implications. Ultimately, this complex and novel work calls upon the spectator and the theorist to reconsider normative ideas about desire, corporeality, fantasy and suffering.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Peoples of the Lake Nyasa Region by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Intelligence, Sustainability, and Strategic Issues in Management by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Much Governed Nation Pt2 Vol 3 by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Education as Enforcement by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Photography: A Critical Introduction by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Understanding Intelligence in the Twenty-First Century by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Malaysia and the Developing World by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Becoming Roman? by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Power, Politics And Crime by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Education and Social Change by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Poverty or Development by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Depression by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book How Nuclear Weapons Spread by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book Oil Imperialism by Ruth McPhee
Cover of the book To Heal Humankind by Ruth McPhee
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy