representation - the bridge

Question 1

how is saga’s performance of femininity constructed?

Answer 1

-active protagonist
-perceptive
-active, always moving

Question 2

how does saga embrace contemporary feminine attributes?

Answer 2

-intelligent
-independent
-brave
-empowered
-androgynous
-assertive

Question 3

how is morten’s performance of masculinity constructed?

Answer 3

-strong masculine character
-impulsive
-emotional
-suffering from ptsd

Question 4

how is lillian’s performance of femininity constructed?

Answer 4

-in a position of power at work and home
-like saga, empowered
-challenges hans several times

Question 5

how is saga’s femininity constructed in the opening sequence?

Answer 5

-khaki military-style coat, leather boots, no makeup
-large scar on her face
-close up and over the shoulder shots,lacks traditional feminine openness.
-diegetic dialogue is clipped and precise, speaks when required

Question 6

how is saga’s performance post-feminist?

Answer 6

via her appearance: her hair flows freely past her shoulders but her clothing is masculine; e.g. neutral coloured shirt

Question 7

what other elements of saga’s repesentation aren’t ‘feminine’?

Answer 7

-lacks empathy, tries to show natalie her deceased wife
-inability to emphasise and communicate emotional intelligence
-eating microwave meals shows lack of domestic skills

Question 8

how is judith butler’s gender performativity applicable to saga?

Answer 8

-masculine characteristics suggest this has helped her to survive the patriarchal world
-masculine stance and walk
-doesn’t care for conventionality, changes her shirt in the middle of the office
-leather trousers, military overcoat, neutral t-shirt
-“he’s recently divorced and his ex-wife has the kids this week” –doesn’t understand people have other lives

Question 9

how is judith butler’s gender performativity applicable to hans?

Answer 9

-whilst in a powerful position, he doesn’t use this in an oppressive way
-understanding + supportive of those who work for him, arguably feminine
-equal relationship with lillian
-suggests oppression of femininity has improved massively

Question 10

how is judith butler’s gender performativity applicable to henrik?

Answer 10

-flawed and vulnerable with drug issues
-it is men, rather than women, who are in domestic roles
-he cooks, cleans and nurtures his children
-rikard fills this role too as a cleaner