Masculinity - Core Response - Alex Davis

The Social Construction of Masculinity 

Stardom: Industry of Desire started the discussion of masculinity, and of the movie Stagecoach, with a powerful observation of the Western genre and those who play in it. While many genres enjoy the flexibility of casting an array of actors and actresses, Westerns are typically confined in their casting. For example, the fascination and popularity with John Wayne solidify this phenomenon. 

John Wayne - Stagecoach 

The story of John Wayne is powerful and unique. His popularity among other popular figures including Valentino and Elvis help explain the phenomenon of masculinity. His influence is unparalleled; reaching across many of our nation's political leaders. I found his correlation between politics and masculinity interesting - even those entrusted with leading a nation exhibit concerning behavior regarding their masculinity. John Wayne's carefully constructed persona taught young men what it meant to fill the male archetype, creating a new "John Wayne Syndrome". 

His version of masculinity went against many popular beliefs surrounding gender identity. Men could no longer be known for wisdom, instead relying on authority. What about him was everlasting? The Willis article states that he has more monuments than "real war heroes". For America, he WAS a real hero. He gave Americans what they needed during the disappearing frontier experience. Real is subject to perspective, and John Wayne provided what many Americans needed. 

During his career, it was often unheard of to put effort into manipulating your masculinity. John Wayne, however, was a master of it. Through carefully thought out actions, he was able to dramatize and exploit his size and strength. His use of body language and costuming made his character larger than life. At a time when it was not masculine to consciously observe how you present your masculinity, John's actions spoke of a new self-reliant authoritarian masculinity. 

I found the articles critique of studying masculinity fascinating. To Willis, masculinity is only studied when it is conflicted or doubted. Society expresses little interest in when provided a perfect socially constructed version of what it means to be a man. Wayne's character, the "Ringo kid", provided a new ideal of masculinity that was desperately need in a post-war America. 

North by Northwest - Even in the movie poster, the subtle placement of Cary Grant and Eva Saint depicts what masculinity means. Cary's character is falling and can't seem to support himself, while Eva's character is bold and shooting a "loaded" weapon. 

Cary Grant's "boy next door" sex appeal gave him a youthful persona that transcended time. 

In Cohan's article, analyzing North by Northwest, we are offered a different typecast for masculinity. In a post WW2 era, their was a social fear of emasculation and crisis. Following the war, American men exhibited "emotional immaturity" - exhibiting dependence and need for protection. Without America's recognizable prestige and confidence, film became the social platform for criticism.   

Leonard - North by Northwest

Watching the film, I did not originally notice the homosexual theme throughout Leonard's character. That so, his portrayal is interesting in nature. This risky portrayal of affection toward his boss, Vandamm, showed a quasi version of homosexual romance at a time when it was considered taboo. In regards to masculinity, I found his character equally intimidating to his heterosexual counterparts. His character is another manifestation of what it means to be "masculine". Characters (at least in this movie) are no longer reliant on the female damsel to affirm their masculinity. 

Masculinity, in its basic form, exists to normalize an image and expectation for men while marginalizing and forbidding other. Sexuality that exists outside of the heterosexual expectation is often marginalized as outside of what it means to be masculine. North by Northwest challenged that notion. Cary Grant was surrounded by rumors of his bisexuality - a fact that by no means belittled his masculinity. His age-less looks and recognizable sex appeal affirmed his attraction by those who played opposite him. 

The emergence of the "Gay Villain"

While many stereotypes persist in the gay community (a sense of fashion), it now represents a formidable attention to detail in film. New gay villains are just as formidable as their heterosexual counterparts. These roles beg a new question, are they villainous because they are gay or  is the characters sexuality coincidental? 

007 - Skyfall

What does this phenomenon represent in masculinity? James Bond, the archetype of primal masculinity, responds to an advance from his homosexual captor with "What makes you think it's my first time?". 

Bruno Anthony - Strangers on a Train

Hitchcock was no stranger to depicting gay men in his stories. Many of his films depict themes that were known to be taboo in society - including homosexuality. His movie Rope offers similar homosexual themes.