The Oppositional Gaze: Film Analysis

Throughout the semester We discussed how the “woman” is portrayed in film, and how these representations have influenced the Gaze. Earlier in this semester I analyzed Bell Hooks “The Oppositional Gaze” which connected with me and I decided to expound on this approach to film. I intended to analyses how black female spectator’s perception of themselves and the society can be influenced based on the messages depicted within the film entitled Imitation of Life (1959); What is the role of the females throughout this film, how these roles are portrayed differently the between black and white character, ultimately I intend to highlight this gender-racial bias within cinema. As a black spectator the Imitation of Life (1959) connected with me, because it addresses serious issues like racism, female representations, capitalism, and other appropriate cinematic discrimination which was largely based societal issues; It’s essential to recognize that the how spectators “look” at the film is just as important as its content. …show more content…
Annotated Bibliography
Heung, Marina. ""What's the Matter with Sara Jane?": Daughters and Mothers in Douglas Sirk's "Imitation of Life"." Cinema Journal 26.3 (1987): 21-40.
This periodical by Marina Heung describes the connection between race, class, and gender appropriation. This article produces an understanding of how this female central film deals with ideas about issues pertaining to woman's work and woman's suffering, mother-daughter relationships, bonding between black and white women, the possibility of women's resistance to the social order, and how the black female is construed within the film