Weekly Journal - Legally Blonde

Introduction

Feminist started in the 1920s, looking at women’s expression of her own subjectivity. Feminist film theory matured in the late 1960s, after radicalized feminist movement (of sexual liberation and political debate of female representation.) During week 11, I had watched a movie which called, ‘Legally Blonde’.  Today, I would like to discuss the theory of feminist in the film.

Theory Discussion

Feminism is a set of political practices seen through the analyses of the social/historical position of women as subordinated, oppressed or exploited in dominant modes of production (such as capitalism) and/or by social relations of patriarchy or male domination. Because films are viewed as a reflection of the society (and vice versa), we can seek out the ideological and social construction of women in films.

Themes explored in feminist theory include discrimination, stereotyping, objectification, oppression, and patriarchy.

In Feminist film theory, Christian Metz argues that viewing film is only possible through scopophilia (pleasure from looking, related to voyeurism), which is best exemplified in silent film.

Laura Mulvey championed the discussion of the visual pleasure of females on screen, known as ‘The Gaze’. Mulvey expanded on the concept of scopophilia to introduce visual pleasure and identification with the on screen male actor. She also claims that the female actresses on the screen can be seen as an exhibitionist, as a symbol of eroticism and visual pleasure and thus holds the tendency of ‘to-be-look-at-ness’ and ultimately, a ‘bearer of meaning’. Besides, Mulvey introduced cinema as a medium of voyeurism where visual pleasure is derived with the perspective of looking.

3 perspectives of looking:

1.       Male character looking at the female character in the film.

2.       Audience in cinema looking at the female character in the film.

3.       Audience in cinema looking through the eyes of the male character who is looking at the female character.

Through these three perspectives, we can compare and discuss what meaning is borne by the visual pleasure depicted in the context of the various theme found in feminism.

The melodrama is an example of female representation in films, while a different genre, namely, women’s films (films addressing female audience) that allow the central role of female protagonist and female spectator to relook at genres, studying the aesthetic and political consequences of gender difference.

How to look at feminism in films?

·         Assumed predetermined sexual identity to expose the misrepresentation of women in films. The assumption here being female repression by a patriarchy society.

·         Look at the various female representations in the film and compare them, seeking out the final resolution of the ‘preferred’ female representation.

·         Looking at the female representation of the film from the female spectator’s point of view.

Furthermore, there are other ways of interpretation of feminism in films that are more up-to-date, namely to include class and race, that further broadens the readings of films through spectator and the experiences of women in different classes and races.

Synopsis

‘Legally Blonde’ is a film that talks about the main character, Elle who was stereotyped and discriminated by others base on her image and lifestyle in the film. In the beginning, she pursued her fashion course. Once, her boyfriend, Warner bring her to a restaurant and want to break up with her. This is because Warner wanted to be serious about his future. Warner study in Law. Therefore, Elle determined to change her course and study in Law in order to win him back.

Analysis

I will base on the themes that explored in feminist theory include discrimination, stereotyping, objectification, oppression, and patriarchy to analyze the film.

Discrimination

For example, after Elle passed the Law School Admission Test, she went to the law school for study. First day she came to the class and wear the attire was totally different with other students. She looked very fashion. Every lecturers and student looked at her in other ways. The lecturer believed that a fashion student should not be here to study Law. Besides, she was referred as ‘Alpha Barbie’ because of her style.

Stereotyping

For instance, Warner wanted to break up with Elle. The reason wants to break up is a stereotyping perspective to Elle. Warner brought Elle to a restaurant for having dinner. Warner told Elle he wants to tell her some important things. Elle thought Warner would propose to her. However, Warner wanted to break up with her.  The reason wanted to break up with her was her blonde hair. The blonde hair symbolized the women are stupid, brainless and so on. Warner thought that she was not enough smart and could not get her in the future.

Objectification

For example, after Elle broke up with Warner. She felt very upset and wanted him came back. Therefore, Elle made Warner as her target and won him back. Elle’s friends encouraged her to study hard. She worked very hard and had a nice grade and to get the same Law school with Warner.

Oppression

For example, Elle’s ability was denied by Prof. Callahan. When she suggested herself to handle the Heyworth’s murder case, he rejected her. This is because she still interned and not enough qualification.

Patriarchy

For instance, Prof. Callahan found Emmette to took over the case. Pro. Callahan believed that Emmette was a man and had more ability to handle the case.

Conclusion

To me, this is a very successful movie to represent the feminist theory. In this film, I can see how the theme applied in it and how the actors convey it. Besides, in the end, Elle was successful to change other’s mind. She made everyone agree with her and admitted her success.