Film Les Miserables and Masculinity - Essay Example

?Literary Film Analysis Film Les Miserables and Masculinity Introduction This paper is a literary film analysis. It presents the film Les Miserables,a musical adaptation of a literary masterpiece by Victor Hugo. This paper is written for the purpose of analyzing the film from the basis of relevant studies on the male gender or masculinity. Therefore, this paper is not a film review, but a technical research paper. It is however, not a full thesis or complete research study, but general thoughts on masculinity with a general aim of understanding it better. The paper uses scholarly ideas or theories and relates these to the selected movie in order to draw new insights on masculinity. The chosen theme or recurring working idea for this paper is the understanding and appreciation of masculinity. This effort to understand is made through an analysis of previous ideas on masculinity drawn from papers or researches of scholars on the issue of gender and masculinity. Meanwhile, appreciation is derived through a chosen visual presentation or a film from which a more graphic representation of ideas on masculinity can be derived. The film chosen for this paper, the movie Les Miserables is a Golden Globe Award winner for Best Picture in Hollywood this December 2012. The significance of this paper can easily be seen from the important social developments starting the late twentieth century, more particularly the 1960s and 1970s. During these years, feminism and the gay movements started to change the outlook of societies towards gender and sexuality (Peoples 9). Since then, traditional beliefs and biases on masculinity and femininity started to erode. This very well shows that gender is not a static, but rather a dynamic reality. This dynamism behind gender has been especially portrayed, if not exploited by the powerful media of communications today. In turn, mass media have served to hasten the dynamism of change in human sexuality and gender. Thus during our own times, dramatic social and cultural changes have introduced the rather unexpected recognition of gay rights in the U.S. military, legalization of gay marriages in some countries, surgical male-to-female sex changes in modern medicine, and other social and cultural alterations or reforms. The need to understand issues on masculinity is therefore important, as the dynamism of gender and manhood continues to escalate until our day. And as shall be shown later, the issues relating to masculinity may have created a global impact in which even the security and sustainability of democratic states and the world may be at stake. This shall be discussed later, but for more clarity, the following questions are proposed as the main problems in this paper: 1. What is the appropriate understanding of masculinity? 2. What are the major concepts of masculinity that relate to its dynamic nature? 3. How does the movie Les Miserables portray the major concepts of masculinity? 4. What lessons can be drawn from the above conceptual and visual analysis of masculinity? Studies on gender and manhood To understand masculinity, there is a need to analyze ideas or theories introduced by scholars or researchers on this issue. This is an appropriate approach since our modern societies are today knowledge-based societies. Scientific studies have become the lever to awaken awareness, impart understanding, and formulate theories on social issues. This paper has therefore sought concepts expounded by scientific theorists on gender and manhood. From these theories, an appropriate understanding of masculinity can be derived. In this regard, the study made by Christopher T. Kilmartin deserves consideration. In his book The Masculine Self, Kilmartin clarifies the concept of masculinity by differentiating between sex and gender (14). For him, sex is a biological frame of reference to the male or female as this relates to genes, hormones, genetalia, and other physical aspects of the human body. On the other hand, gender is a broader frame of reference which relates to masculine or feminine behaviors, as well as mental and social processes that are determined by biological, psychological and social forces (14). In effect, therefore, Kilmartin is pointing out that masculinity is not simply sex, but gender. And masculinity, as gender, includes not only the physical or biological aspects of being male or female but also the mental and social contexts into which being male or female should be considered. Describing masculinity in more specific terms, Kilmartin listed down personality traits traditionally given to the male gender. And these include among others: strong, independent, achieving, hardworking, dominant, heterosexual, tough, aggressive, unemotional, physical, competitive, and forceful (6). While Kilmartin did not elaborate further, it is understood that these traits are different or in contrast with the traits of the female gender which is generally perceived to be more frail physically; more dependent on others particularly on their parents or partner in life; less competitive in arduous kinds activities, such as in sports or work; better conformed to monogamist relationship; more emotional to the extent of sentimentality, and; generally subordinate to males who still form the majority of institutional leaders and achievers in societies. In terms of activities, Kilmartin states that males generally initiate sex, solve problems, take action, take control, enjoy masculine activities, e.g. drinking, sports, hunting, and taking physical risks and supporting one’s family financially (7). Again unmentioned by Kilmartin are the contrasting activities traditionally ascribed to females and these are, among others, their response to sex initiatives by males, following and not initiating actions, engaging in arts and cultural endeavors rather than in rigorous activities which require muscular strength, agility and endurance. For Kilmartin, males are stereotyped to assume the roles of athlete, father, husband, playboy, leader and working man (7). Implicitly, females take the roles of cheerleaders, mothers, wives, and supporters. And in the United States, masculinity is often associated with such personality traits as being anti-feminine by not engaging in sissy stuffs (7). They are prone to be inexpressive while keeping emotional composure and self-control. Their aggressiveness is typically demonstrated through violent actions if necessary (7). Another study relevant to our film study analysis is Harry Brad’s Studying Masculinities as Superordinate studies. In this paper, Brad, who teaches a “Men and Masculinities” course in universities including UCLA, shows the need for a more sociological and collectivist approach in considering gender. For Brad, this includes dimensions other than sex, namely race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other factors to gender studies (164). This is a departure from the individualistic-psychological approach which considers sex in isolation. In real life, masculinity does not stand alone but is enmeshed with other contexts of social living. In the university course he teaches, Brad therefore stresses that gender is a socially constructed category. This means that males need to relate to the opposite gender within the context of race, class, religion, and other structures. Brad’s approach opens up other avenues to tackling male-female issues. As an example, feminization of poverty or women being poor for Brad finds a counterpart in the issue of masculization of wealth (166). This is the same as saying that females don’t get their fair share of wealth in society. . Brad departs from a psychological shift to a sociological or superordinate emphasis on the masculinity issue (167). In this regard, he deals of the relative degrees of access to social power. He stresses that gender is not to be blamed, such as when favors and privileges are preferably given to males. Brad points out that this is how societies and social groups function, and the situation does not show that men by nature are evil (168). A third and most critically relevant study worth considering is Michael S. Kimmel’s Globalization and its Mal(e)contents. In this study, Kimmel points at the phenomenon of globalization as causing a radical change on human gender. As globalization is managed by multinational corporations and transnational geopolitical institutions (the UN, European Union, World Court, etc. ), the peasant and lower middle income sectors of society suffer by being emasculated (604). It must be noted that emasculation is referred to by Kimmer in a symbolic, not a literal sense. Rather than a physical loss in sexual capacity, this refers to the loss of world gender order privileges, such unequal wages, unequal work participation, unequal share in ownership and control of property as well as other cultural and sexual privileges (604). Kimmel also sees men temporarily abandoned by wives who migrate to cities or other countries as overseas caregivers or workers; young workers are paid menial salaries while losing work security through contractual jobs, etc. All of these are symbolical in relation to perceived loss of masculinity. Tragically today, globalization has sparked ultra-left and ultra-right extremist terrorism in the modern world. Boldly, supremacists and Aryan youths in the US and Scandinavia countries issue threats of terror attacks. Meanwhile, their Al Queda counterparts had already claimed responsibility for the September 11, 2001 Trade Center Twin Towers suicide bombings. And in the modern age of mass media and cyber communications, right–wing militias openly peddle their wares of racism, sexism, anti-semitism as forms of masculine reassertion (606). The Boston Marathon bombings last April 15, 2013 may indicate how dangerous the situation of this masculine reassertion is today. Les Miserables The film Les Miserables is the most recent film version of other adaptations for cinema, television and Broadway of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. This new adaptation departs from other film and television versions of the book by its epic scale. Already, it won the Best Picture Award in Hollywood in addition to similar awards or nominations for acting, costuming, setting, and other facets of what made it a multi-awarded blockbuster movie. More directly, the movie has been adapted from a Broadway musicale, and so it features song and music for entertainment. Remarkably, the lyrics of songs highlight the important theme of the Les Miserables or the The Victims of the despotic French monarchy. Aptly, the movie serves to point out the traditional concept of masculinity by Kilmartin, particularly by the male character of Javert (played by Russell Crowe). Javert is the police inspector who hounds the criminal fugitive Jean Valjean (portrayed by Hugh Jackman). Javert demonstrates masculinity as stereotyped by his role of high authority of the law, as well as his manly enforcement that uses emotionless violence and oppression. To reflect, this type of masculinity is the traditional one drawn from the patriarchal system that has perennially existed in human history. This male stereotype can be traced to the pristine savagery of man, persisting in centuries when might was right and monarchs had the divine right of kings. Up until today, even after the rise of women leaders in politics and other facets of modern life, there is a perceived perception that today’s world is patriarchal and is still a man’s world. Prominently,, Jean Valjean stands out as the hero in the movie. He breaks the stereotype of traditional masculinity, as he is a man who is truly gentle, generous and emotionally attached to the poor. In the movie, Jean Valjean uses his brute strength to save a man pinned under heavy broken cart, gives money to street beggars, and takes under his care the illegitimate child of a whore. As Kilmartin points out: All men do not display or even aspire stereotypical masculinity” (11) Possessing qualities of both masculine and feminine stereotypes, males can be both gentle and strong, independent and connected, and strict and nurturing at the same time (11). This is the same as saying that to adopt feminine behavior is not a form of emasculation but a way to enhance one’s masculinity. This ideas are embodied in Jean Valjean the movie hero. Concepts on the sociological and collectivist approach to masculinity help not only to understand, but also to appreciate the masculinity, as portrayed in the movie. The movie provides a strong visual representation of the despotic monarchical days of France, graphic portrayal of poor helpless peasants, prisoners shackled for torturous work in the shipyard, and women treated like scums by the male in an oppressive period of history. In addition to sexuality, the movie brings viewers to the realities of social injustice, religious connivance, prestige of the wealthy few and other elements of society and culture which give masculinity the stereotype dominant position in society. Interestingly, it is easy to lose sight of the role of Marius (played by Eddie Pontmeray), who portrays the young student and rebel in a Paris revolt. Kimmel’s study on Globalization and its Mal(e)contents herein becomes relevant. While Marius in Les Miserables is not a terrorist or extremist like modern-day ultra-right and ultra-left fundamentalists, he is still a rebel fighting unjust social forces. And for the sake of the cause, Marius willingly foregoes his love for Cossette, Valjean’s adopted daughter. This is emasculation so close to its literal sense. He also succumbs to the demands of martyrdom in what proved to be the Parisian rebels’ futile cause. In his study, Kimmel forcefully asserts that globalization is a cause of change on masculinity, disrupting tradition and challenging patriarchy or the male father dominance of society (603) Similarly in the movie, Marius underwent change in masculinity, not in a global struggle caused by a resistance to multi-national institutions, but in an urban setting similarly oppressive to the poor and the young. Today, there is evidence illustrated by Kimmel of religious fundamentalism and ethnic nationalism. Al Queda terrorists, Aryan youth resistance in the US and European countries, and other far-right fringe groups advocate ideologies of racism, homophobia, nativism, sexism and anti-semitism. While Marius in Les Miserables portrays an innocent and noble rebel, the modern rebels illustrated by Kimmel send jitters proven by the fear and havoc created by the most recent April 15 Boston Marathon bombings. Conclusion To sum up this study: On understanding masculinity 1. Masculinity can be defined as gender, and not simply a biological sexual reality among men. 2. To see masculinity simply as sex is to confine ideas on masculinity only to the biological aspects of being male, or female in the case of femininity. Major concepts on masculinity 3. Masculinity can be stereotyped. However, it can be enriched when seen within the context of social, political, economic and cultural realities. This makes masculinity real and relevant to conditions of place, time and culture. 4. Masculinity as gender shows its dynamism as it relates to the socio-political-economic milieu. Not to adapt is to be fossilized and not to draw benefits of a continually progressing social and world environment. 5. Attempts to revive traditional patriarchal masculinity by ultra-right and utra-left extremists create a global problem in terms of security of states and survival of the world. Les Miserables portrayal of masculinity 6. While Javert shows the stereotype male, Jean Valjean shows masculinity in context, capable of adaptation and change. Valjean is a male with feelings for humanity, not at all diminishing his masculinity but enriching it. 7. Marius the rebel student appears alike the youths in today’s ultra-right and ultra-left extremist groups. There is similarity in meeting the challenge of emasculating injustice, inequality and oppression. Again, Jean Valjean plays the victor’s part in showing the difference on how a man meets social challenges. This is done not through terror that strikes even the innocent and helpless non-combatants, but through good works, altruism and ethical social responsibility to others. Lessons to draw from the conceptual and visual analysis 8. Masculinity, and femininity as well, is dynamic. Stereotypes are tested by time and social experience. 9. Attempts to revive the traditional patriarchal authority of the male through terror is an anachronism, as well as a self destructive venture. One hurts or kills his kind. While there is need to reform oppressive globalization, globalization has promise for a borderless world so that humans can be freed and not be hemmed in by the confines of ethnic and disadvantaged isolationism. 10. Even as problematic issues continue to surround masculinity, appropriate understanding and appreciation of it according to research-based knowledge can lift humanity to tap the full potentials of being man, as well as of being woman. References Brod, Hary. Studying Maculinities As Superordinate Studies. Web. 24 Apr. 2013 Kilmartin, Christopher. “Introduction” in The Masculine Self. Boston: MaGraw Hill, 2000. 3-19. Print Kimmel, Michael. Globalization and its Mal(e)contents. Web 24 Apr. 2013 Lyman, Peter. The Fraternal Bond as a Joking Relationship: A Case Stud of the Role of Sexist Peoples, James. The Cultural Construction of Gender and Manhood. Web 24 Apr. 2013 . Read More