PF - Representations Flashcards
Why does Spike Lee feel that Django unchained was disrespectful of black history?
Lee said he would not see Django as he stated ‘American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honour them’
Who provides the main representation of ethnicity in PF?
Jules and Marsellus Wallace
How is Marsellus’ character developed beyond the stereotypical gangland boss?
When we first meet him talking to Butch, he seems considered, calm, cool, a man to be respected, not an unhinged monster
How is Marsellus’ weaknesses conveyed?
Mia is his weakness. The audiences do not see the characters together which may indicate a rift between them. His violent jealousy suggest that beneath the cool exterior passions rage.
How is Jules character developed beyond the stereotypical hitman?
Jules is the only character to go on a truly transformative journey. A sense of epiphany and revelation is reserved for him - evident when he buys the life of Pumpkin so he doesn’t have to kill him - emerging moral seriousness - humanist irony
How can we summarise representations of ethnicity?
PF offers both positive and negative representations of African American men - they are successful yet portrayed as complex criminals
How are women represented in PF?
Childlike, naive, secondary characters, victim, reliant on men, lack independence except Esmerelda
What is interesting about Mia’s representation?
Subversion of the femme fatale - styling, strong, powerful, in control, intimidating Vince?
How is Mia’s character developed and what does this tell us about her character?
Mia’s back story as a failed actress is intriguingly developed. The fact she is never shot in a scene with her husband, uses cocaine heavily, and is so bored that she needs to be entertained, all suggests she is a thrill seeker who is no longer thrilled.
Could it be argued that Mia ultimately fufills the role of a victim?
Her unexpected overdose ultimately quashes her empowered representation. Her appearance becomes monstrous and she is left fighting for her life and in need of male protection. This strips way the positive attributes, as she is represented as a victimised weak woman.
How are elderly characters portrayed?
Largely wise and dignified
