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Looking like a hero: constructions of the female gun-fighter in Hollywood cinema.

Van Raalte, C., 2012. Looking like a hero: constructions of the female gun-fighter in Hollywood cinema. In: Valente, A. and Capucho, R., eds. Avanca Cinema 2012. Avanca, Portugal: Avanca Film Festival.

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Abstract

This paper addresses the aesthetic and semiotic issues of dress, agency and desire as they are articulated around the figure of the female gun-slinger in action-driven genres. It explores the problems that this complex figure presents for feminist critics, in relation to the fetishisation of the female action figure, the potential for readings of cooption or resistance embodied in the transvestite heroine, and the celebration of cinematic violence. It also explores a number of strategies whereby film-makers and narratives contrive to contain the transgressive potential of the female gun-slinger. With particular reference to Salt (Phillip Noyce 2010), it highlights issues of transformation, performance and identity, focusing on the operation of costume as an ‘alternative discourse’ within the text. It considers the limitations and potential of the contemporary action heroine as an empowering female figure within popular culture.

Item Type:Book Section
Additional Information:International Conference Cinema ? Art, Technology, Communication. 25th to 29th July 2012 Avanca, Aveiro, Portugal
Uncontrolled Keywords:representation, gender, performance, costume, action-adventure
Group:Faculty of Media & Communication
ID Code:21402
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:02 Sep 2014 13:37
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:49

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