In current media, the portrayal of feminine rage has become a pivotal narrative. It is important to represent women in a less stereotypical format especially because of the already highly stereotypical world we live in. Women are more than just emotional and passive beings and presenting that in film can make the new generation of women feel more empowered. Undoubtedly, there is a need for a societal shift in the portrayal of women – specifically feminine rage – in films. Having the pure embodiment of every part of a woman's emotional range is a critical start to that shift. Before getting into the nitty gritty we leave you with a spoiler warning for the films that are going to be discussed; there won't be full descriptions of the scenes but it will spoil some parts of the films.
To begin we will be looking at Don’t Worry Darling (2022) dir. Olivia Wilde. This film presented its audience with such a complex story that will leave someone thinking for a while. Florence Pugh, who plays Alice Chambers, gives a beautiful and moving performance that is full of many emotions. Throughout the film, we see Alice slowly realize that the life she's living does not feel like her own. This doubt turns into finding that her current life is a simulation and her prior life was stripped from her by her husband (Harry Styles playing Jack Chambers) without being given any choice. The feminine rage that was portrayed in this very tense moment was so real and visceral; it was full of anger, confusion, and sadness. It is vital to have portrayals like this one. Demonstrating that women are not going to sit back and let their lives be planned for them, completely controlled by an outside person. In a film such as this one, it was important to show this range of women because it was heavily marketed and was going to be seen by a wide range of individuals.
The next more modern film that does a good job with the portrayal of feminine rage is The Menu (2022) dir. Mark Mylod. This film was created so thoughtfully in every sense of the world. There was great attention to detail on little things like how the meals looked and what they represented to the theme. As well as things like the main character Margot played by Anya Taylor-Joy always looking for the exits, in any given situation. Small details like that represent that she is an independent woman and knows that she has to take care of herself first. In the Hollywood Reporter interview for this film, Taylor-Joy discusses a very important scene in the film. When Margot realizes that she was brought to this restaurant unknowingly while her date was aware that it would end in the murder of everyone in the room she pounces on her date. She jumps the table and punches him in the face while screaming, this scene brought tears to my eyes. Taylor-Joy said this:
It is recognizable that the portrayal of this pure rage and emotion is very needed in these spaces because a woman would not just sit there and let this happen, women are powerful beings that have the power to defend themselves in any situation, not just a murderous dining experience.
In these films, the feminine rage that is being portrayed is coming from a place of longing, loss and grief but that is not the only thing that can cause such reactions. The best way to depict them – especially in film – is in a time of grief or longing and that is a great first step in shifting that narrative. Anyone would be upset if things they cared for were striped away from them and not by choice and this can connect heavily with the world we are living in today. The political climate of the world is filled with vast injustices for women and it is important to show that women will not sit back and take this, we will fight no matter what. There has been a broad shift in the portrayal of women in modern media and this must continue because it can empower people and show others that the narrative of women being vilified and passive is long gone. Feminine rage is a response to mass injustice and can leave an audience feeling empowered which is the goal of this matter. These films are a great reflection of the growing recognition of women who are in pursuit of justice and the general equality that needs to be reflected in the world around us; so I leave you with these questions, what impact do you think these portrayals are having on society? Is it a lasting impact? Is it making a difference?
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