For decades, the silver screen has served as a powerful tapestry, weaving stories that both reflect and reimagine our world. Among the threads woven into this cinematic fabric lies a complex and ever-evolving portrayal: masculinity. From stoic cowboys to brooding superheroes, from suave heartthrobs to bumbling dads, movies offer a kaleidoscope of male identities. But how are these images evaluated? What values and traits are deemed "masculine" by the flickering lens?
As "Names of Hearts" wishes to avoid such stereotypes, I understand that we have to clearly clarify which is which and how to avoid those; also, on what aspects other films had successfully enhanced the weaker, more emotional side of males. This is the reason why I chose to study more into this topic.
I. Definition of Masculinity
According to the Oxford Dictionary, 'Masculinity' can be defined as an adjective with the meanings: "having qualities or an appearance traditionally associated with men or boys." or "denoting a gender of nouns and adjectives, conventionally regarded as male." It's something, of any action that can be categorized as manly, usually referring to the fact that women can not do it.
So, what does it like to be a man?
A simple example is when a wife said to her husband: "Honey, I can't open this can lid!". In this situation, she's asking for help from someone she believes is stronger and has the solution to her problem - and the husband is that person. So currently, he has the position of man of a family. That's masculinity. This type of action can belong to a woman also, but typically this is used to call out a men's thing.
Here are some masculine traits that can be easily recognized:
1. Physical:
Muscles. Sharp jaw. Beard. What else can we find on the most typical man in the world? Just as same as the "Narrow Ideals of Beauty" of Van Zoonen but now in the male perspective, mastery of one's own physical ability is a vital aspect of being a man, whether one is vying for food, fighting hand to hand, or confronting one another in a sporting field. The most basic, yet nonetheless very noticeable, characteristic of a guy is his physical prowess, which influences everything from mating choices to self-preservation.
2. Functional:
Always the tough things such as taking care of the family's income, weird noise downstairs, driving the car, protecting the weak, going to war, etc. Being the provider for his family is what motivates a guy to thrive, even when he uses cunning, physical prowess, and desire to get there. Regardless of place or social standing, males labor primarily to provide for their wives and families by providing food and a cozy atmosphere. This is the socially acceptable position that men are expected to play, and it presents a difficult task for all men to do.
3. Emotional:
I have also heard things like "real men don't cry", or that they aren't allowed to receive sympathy. Even a very dear person of mine says the same - which makes me realize what a standard world I live in. Regardless of men's role, a guy needs to be able to handle things without letting their emotional impact affect him. Men who repress their emotions can look at the situation objectively and continue. Then a guy may act rationally in any scenario, from a minor dispute between two people to a devastating conflict on the battlefield.
II. Masculinity in Movies
Movies have extensively portrayed the concept of masculinity, depicting both traditional and negative aspects of being a man. These cinematic representations not only reflect societal views on what it means to be a man but also challenge our understanding of what is considered normal or acceptable. By watching movies that showcase both the classic idea of manliness and the consequences of toxic masculinity, we can better comprehend how these notions are portrayed and how they impact our lives in reality.
Portrayals of traditional masculinity in movies often include traits such as strength, courage, asceticism, and dominance. These archetypes are common across a variety of genres, especially action and adventure films. Consider the iconic character of James Bond, who embodies the classic image of masculinity. Think about James Bond. Smooth, sharp, and as tough as nails. He's the epitome of traditional masculinity - always in control, oozing confidence, and saving the day with style. Action heroes like John Wayne or Arnold Schwarzenegger also fit the bill. They're the tough guys who tackle problems head-on, muscles flexing, and never showing a hint of vulnerability. In Westerns or action flicks, these characters embody what society might consider 'manly.' They're strong, they're brave, and they get the job done. These depictions have long been ingrained in film history and have shaped perceptions of masculinity for generations.
III. Masculinity in Romance Movies
Romance movies, long considered a platform for escapist fantasies, have also served as a fascinating reflection of evolving societal norms and expectations around masculinity. The portrayal of male characters in these films has gone through significant transformations, often mirroring and sometimes challenging prevailing cultural ideas about what it means to be a "man."
For decades, the dominant archetype in romance movies was the alpha male: strong, stoic, and assertive, often taking control of the narrative and rescuing the damsel in distress. Think Cary Grant in "His Girl Friday", Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman." or a very recent film, "50 Shades of Grey."
Why is this, then?
IV. The Allowance of Mental Breakdown in Men
Let's talk about how men are allowed to describe their weaknesses on screen.
In recent years, there's been a noticeable shift in the portrayal of men experiencing mental breakdowns in movies. With the rise of what's been termed the "soft boy" or hybrid masculine trend, epitomized by figures like TimothΓ©e Chalamet, these depictions have gained popularity. The traditional perception of an attractive man, often associated with physical strength, reserved emotions, and control, has started to change. Movies like "Moonlight" and "Call Me By Your Name" offer refreshing perspectives, showcasing vulnerability, sensitivity, and emotional depth in male characters. These films challenge the narrow confines of traditional masculinity, exploring diverse aspects of male identity, and breaking away from stereotypical portrayals. Moreover, characters like Deadpool from the eponymous film franchise subvert traditional hero archetypes. Deadpool's humorous, self-aware, and emotionally expressive nature challenges conventional expectations of stoic heroes, introducing a new dimension to masculinity in cinema.
Now, there's a growing appreciation for men who are gentle, introspective, and empathetic towards others' feelings. This shift might be why we're seeing more representations of depressed men in movies. Today's ideal man isn't afraid to show vulnerability or express emotions like love. The depiction of a man's mental struggles has become more prevalent in cinema, and it can significantly impact how women perceive their own strength. This trend operates like a nuanced form of communication that challenges existing stereotypes. Characters like Jocker, Ryan Gosling's role in Blade Runner 2049, or the recent portrayal of the Ken doll in Barbie offer more multifaceted and realistic depictions of men dealing with complex emotions and mental challenges.
It does not mean that people tend to enjoy seeing men crying, it is just after a long time of cultural perception, that we realize to rephrase everything we are known for. We embrace the differences, but we also seek any chances to erase the line until everything becomes one.
Why is this, then?
Maybe it is because of the fact that the psychological condition of men, in general, is in a more alarming state than ever. If you look at the data on suicide attempts and thoughts about ending your life, women often make up the majority. But if we look at the number of deaths due to suicide, the figure for men is 1.6 to 3.5 times higher than for women, perhaps because of guns or jumping from buildings, it is easier to die than cuts and sleeping pills. Even worse, if we only focus on the USA, the figure will be up to almost 4 times more. In my opinion, women's thoughts and suicide attempts are often meant as a cry for help, letting the world know the pain they have to endure. As a man, I feel that men are much weaker than women in expressing emotions, so when they are in pain, men do not dare to speak, to the point that their emotions become stagnant to the point of exploding. Therefore, the majority of male suicides occur over the age of 65. Until then, suicide was the door to escape depression. When they were young they didn't want to talk, and when they were old they didn't want to talk, so their death was not a calling, but a goodbye to this world.
In fact, the idea that men have difficulty expressing emotions is not because men themselves are like that, but rather because of the way they were raised and the prejudices that society imposes on them. When a girl cries, the possibility that she will be comforted or comforted will be higher than that of a boy, because most men have been taught since childhood that "boys can't cry" or "crying is weak". Therefore, a reluctance to share is formed, which then causes them to sink deeper into negativity and have to resort to the worst method of suicide.
V. Conclusion
Cinema has served as a powerful medium for portraying and challenging perceptions of masculinity. From traditional heroic archetypes to the exploration of toxic behaviors and the redefinition of what it means to be a man, films continue to play a crucial role in shaping societal understanding and discourse surrounding masculinity. By showcasing diverse representations and pushing boundaries, movies play a vital role in opening up conversations about masculinity. That is why we think, for Kreachers in "Names of Hearts", we will portray him on a more emotional side while Emma will be more stone-cold to avoid being involved in such a harmful side. It's not just about muscles and bravado – it's about being real, being true to yourself, and understanding that there's more than one way to be a man.
VI. Resources
Inspiration:
https://www.facebook.com/itsblutherey/posts/pfbid02quTn34AJwNg7koTp4QMDnFHnyESpXzVfgw4PDi7LfUT66PhP6QQ8GHRiJFnFBcWVl
Content:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/suicidal-ideation-and-behavior-in-adultshttps://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DR-FFR3-2015/NSDUH-DR-FFR3-2015.htmhttps://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/https://www.powr.io/
https://www.quora.com/What-does-it-mean-to-be-masculine-1
https://filmthreat.com/reviews/bad-romance/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262900751_I_Love_You_Man_Bromances_the_Construction_of_Masculinity_and_the_Continuing_Evolution_of_the_Romantic_Comedy
https://filmthreat.com/features/the-toxic-masculinity-of-black-romances/
───── ❝ dox.xela ❞ ─────
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