Core Post #3 - Hardcore Masculinity

In Richard Dyer’s Stars, he mentions that action films is a genre of the body—“the body is foregrounded and its significance made obvious” (182). Indeed, in Terminator 2, we see Arnold Schwarzenegger represent the assertive and confident declaration of masculinity. However, we also have Linda Hamilton who occupies a narrative role “comparable to those of the male action hero, with [her] heroic status also signified through physical strength” (181). In one of the scenes from the film, we see Hamilton working out in prison; the camera focuses on her muscles and her attire (white tight tank) disrupts the “traditional binary oppositions which have differentiated masculine and feminine bodies” (181).

Dyer continues to talk about “impersonation” and “personification”—in which Schwarzenegger’s “personification foregrounds the continuities of the star’s image over and above differences of character” while Meryl Streep’s “impersonation” transforms the “body and voice in ways which signify differences between the characters” she plays (185). Because stars who use impersonation alter their acting and voice according to their film roles, they are considered “real actors” and hence, gain respectful recognition for their impersonatory skills. With Schwarzenegger, critics complain that he isn’t really acting because he is “always playing himself”—his deep voice and his muscular body transcend every film he has ever been in. Therefore, he is heavily associated as the “muscular male action star,” and like many stars who also embody that type of role, it would be hard for him to break through that label.

Since Furious 7 opened last Friday, I can’t help but mention Vin Diesel and how he also manifests that “muscular male action star” image. With his 7th film playing Dom Toretto, Diesel is once again displaying his physical masculinity by racing cars and beating the “bad guys.” Like Schwarzenegger, he utilizes personification because he uses his husky voice to channel his characters. And on top of that, his body becomes the “spectacle” for his films— illustrating qualities such as resilience and perseverance. Similar to what Dyer said, the physicality acts as a key signifier of our cultural beliefs that physical development is a symbol for the aggressive fitness culture. In turn, Diesel and other muscular stars have become the models for Men’s Fitness and many fitness-related endorsements. Our society perceives masculinity as athletic, strong, dominant, and powerful—and muscles are the perfect indication to those characteristics.