Spectatorship (S4)

• What's the audience positioning in WB?


  Audience positioned with Ree, but mostly as an outsider just as she is
• Hall's reception theory - preferred reading of WB:

  It's a feminist film
• How could WB be read as a feminist film?

  -Directed by a woman, largely female crew

  -Active female main character

  -Structure of men getting in Ree's way and women helping her get around them

  -Theme of helping, teaching, productive violence in the name of providing --> traditionally female qualities
• Quotes on WB as a feminist film:


  "Feminist film about an anti-feminist world"

  "Begins to feel like a fairy-tale about female solidarity"
• Hall's reception theory - oppositional reading of WB:


  Teardrop's character contradicts any feminist theme
• How could Teardrop make WB anti-feminist?

  -His character is violent and sexist ("I've already said it once with my mouth") but then humanised at end and presented as knight in shining armour

  -Teadrop figures out who killed Jessup at end and gives up banjo to avenge his death --> reminiscent of noir hero

  -The film, viewer and Ree are drawn to Teardrop's violence despite his negative qualities
• Hall's reception theory - negotiated reading of WB:

  The role of men is just accurate to real life rather than regressive/patriarchal
• How does the role of men in WB make it more accurate to real life?

  -WB's themes and tone are focused on gritty/harsh reality so it's political content reflects this and aids it

  -The ending is troubling, but feels like the only way they could've ended it