Moonlight

Question 1

What is the primary focus of sexuality studies?

Answer 1

Examining social, political, and cultural factors that contribute to the understanding of sexuality

It particularly looks at mainstream representations of sexuality outside of hegemonic heterosexuality.

Question 2

Define hegemonic heterosexuality.

Answer 2

Traditional male/female relationships in line with established gender roles

For example, monogamous partnerships between masculine men and feminine women pursuing marriage and parenthood.

Question 3

What argument did Adrienne Rich make in her 1980 article?

Answer 3

Heterosexuality is not natural or intrinsic to humans, but a political, ideological institution benefiting hegemonic patriarchy

This institution enforces heterosexuality and demonizes homosexuality.

Question 4

What are the four ways representations of sexuality can interact with hegemonic sexuality (HS)?

Answer 4

• Endorse HS by showing it as ideal or positive
• Endorse HS by showing alternatives as deviant or problematic
• Challenge HS by criticizing it
• Challenge HS by showing alternatives as ideal or positive

Question 5

Name the two sexual relationships represented in Moonlight.

Answer 5

• Chiron and Kevin
• Juan and Teresa

Question 6

What does Aberrant Decoding refer to in spectator theory?

Answer 6

The multiple ways to decode a text, which may differ from the intended message

Active audiences may interrogate films, leading to diverse interpretations.

Question 7

What is ‘positioning’ in the context of film spectator theory?

Answer 7

How the filmmaker positions the audience to align with certain characters and ideas

Techniques include close-ups, shot reverse shot, and POV.

Question 8

List some personal factors that could affect a spectator’s reception of Moonlight.

Answer 8

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality
• Personal Experiences
• Religion
• Up-Bringing
• Class
• Film literacy
• Geography
• Family
• Political Beliefs

Question 9

What does the filmmaker use to communicate their idea?

Answer 9

Film form, through a process known as encoding.

Question 10

How does Moonlight challenge hegemonic heterosexuality in its final sequence?

Answer 10

By showing a positive alternative; homosexuality as warm, intimate, and affectionate.

Question 11

What is the difference between identifying, empathizing, and sympathizing with a character?

Answer 11

• Identifying: See yourself in the character through shared identity
• Empathizing: Feel with a character without shared identity but understanding their emotions
• Sympathizing: Feel for a character and pity their situation

Question 12

What is the big debate regarding a film’s ideology?

Answer 12

• A film’s ideology is encoded by the filmmaker
• A film’s ideology is decoded by the spectator, leading to multiple interpretations.

Question 13

What emotional responses might a spectator have when passively watching Moonlight?

Answer 13

• Vicarious experiences
• Aesthetic pleasures
• Emotional catharsis

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Hegemonic heterosexuality is traditional male/female relationships in line with _______ roles.

Answer 14

[established]

Question 15

Fill in the blank: In her 1980 article ‘Compulsory Heterosexuality and _______ Existence’, Adrienne Rich argued that heterosexuality is not natural.

Answer 15

[Lesbian]

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Homosexuality threatens this power dynamic, so it is _______ and ‘othered’ in pop culture.

Answer 16

[demonized]