Spectatorship

• We are only ever shown Ree's perspective (subjective camera work)
• She is not positioned as a Proppian princess but rather the hero.
• And no point does the audience feel that she is a prize for the men to claim.
• audience is positioned with ree, but as an outsider like her
• preferred reading (Hall reception theory) = it is a feminist film
• How could WB be read as a feminist film?

  Directed by a woman, largely female crew
• Feminist film?

  Active female main character
• Feminist film?

  Structure of men getting in Ree's way and women helping her get around them
• Feminist film?

  Theme of helping, teaching, productive violence in the name of providing --> traditionally female qualities
• Teardrop 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 -Teardrop figures out who killed Jessup at end and gives up banjo to avenge his death: reminiscent of noir hero
• How could Teardrop make WB anti-feminist?

  The film, viewer and Ree are drawn to Teardrop's violence despite his negative qualities
• Negotiated reading of WB?


  The role of men is 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