Identities in Children of Men and V for Vendetta clips

THESIS - What their part in the film is, whether they conform to the stereotypical male identity role or stray from it

NATIONAL IDENTITY - ADVERTISEMENT

The government persuades the dystopian britain of 2027, by using advertisement to distract them from the dangers in their country, such as terrorists attacks and riots. They show a suicide pill to promote the idea that it is better to take the pill rather waiting for a violent death. The adverts seen on this bus here shows futuristic and british traits that make the dystopian genre more realistic.

MALE IDENTITY - V FOR VENDETTA

V - I am the vigilante who breaks the rules in order to help the cause. I conform to the stereotypical male identity role because my duty is to father the generation. However I also wear a cape, and my mask has rosy cheeks which shows feminine traits. My past has shown that after being experimented on it has led me to have a vendetta against anyone involved in the experiments. My need to help society is driven by revenge on the government who tortured me and my dear friend Valerie.

FEMALE IDENTITY - CHILDREN OF MEN

MIRIAM - In Children of Men, Miriam doesn't conform to the stereotypical female because she has masculine traits and isn't seen as the 'Damsel in Distress', in comparison to Kee and Julian, who are both protected by Theo at times in the film. However, she is also seen to show maternal instincts such as caring after Julian when she is wounded and looking after Kee and her baby, which conforms to the traditional stereotypes.

CHILDREN OF MEN
THEO

A clip that conveys Theo’s masculinity is during the war zone. He takes on the role of a protector and tries his best to get Kee to safety. In this sequence Theo has his arm around Kee several times in order to protect her; reinforcing the view of masculinity and role of the hero, being able to protect others weaker than yourself. At the same time it can be argued he is portrayed as being feminine in this sequence. This is on the basis he doesn't use any form of weaponry, and in order to escape, the birth of the child causes the threat to stand down; as opposed to the stereotypical male action, which is to destroy it.

This scene shows Theo as the protagonist who tries to save Julian, who would be the 'Damsel in Distress'. His manly traits come through in this scene because even though he panics he tries to take control of the situation. However, the person that take control even more is Miriam, who takes on a more masculine role in this scene. His desire to protect and shelter Julian shows his emotions more than he had in previous scenes.

JASPER

Jasper is seen as a paternal role for Theo, however he is not a typical father-role as shown in this scene where he is taking a drug, whether its illegal or legal we don't know as the film is set in the future. This scene mirrors a father and son bonding moment which shows how Theo looks up to Jasper and takes advice from him.

V FOR VENDETTA

V

In V for Vendetta the stereotypical traits of masculinity are conveyed through our protagonist V. Throughout, he battles the minions of the totalitarian government and chooses to use knives as his preferred choice of weapon. This is apparent in the sequences when he fights Creedy and his men in the underground. The use of a knives illustrates V’s masculinity and strength against others, as the knife is considered a phallic symbol because knifes are related to penetration. It is used as a show of power and causes his enemies to recognise his male dominance. 

There is also moments in the film when V’s character communicates aspects of the developing post-modern man, displayed in our current society; although some may argue they conform more to the stereotypes of women. An example of this is when V is cooking breakfast for Evey in his lair. In this scene he is also wearing an apron. In terms of being more feminine, V’s mask has rosy cheeks and a shaped mustache. These characteristics communicate the use of makeup and male grooming, which is normally undertaken by women to appear more attractive.

When Evey comes through the archway it could be seen as Yonic imagery for Evey being reborn. Then when she finds out V tortured her he encourages her and tries to strengthen her in order to comfort her. He tries to stop her crying and in this scene and others he is seen as a father figure because even though he says he has his reasons, we can see that he still shows regret for his actions. He asks her whether she would want some fresh air which shows that he cares for her and when she comes outside he offers her his jacket in order to protect her from the rain. This shows his paternal love for her and how he subconsciously doesn't want her to change because from then on she could be in danger and no longer in his care.

DIETRICH

This scene show Dietrich's lighthearted side and how he can make fun of any situation. It also shows that he is prepared to stand up to Chancellor Sutler even though he knows that he would get into trouble because of what he did. In an otherwise dark film, Dietrich gives the public something to enjoy in the dictatored society that they live in. It's clear that he's also trying to cheer Evey up which shows his paternal love for her.