Representation of Asian Women in Films
The portrayal of some Asian characters in films as docile, submissive or even as a threat to American society causes dangers to a lot of Asian people in reality. Edward Said also points out that these assumptions about the East and Eastern people strengthen "a web of racism, cultural stereotypes, political imperialism, dehumanizing ideology…". Some Western film producers or writers inadvertently employ Orientalist ideas by stereotyping Asian characters in Hollywood films. For example, Muslims are often represented as terrorists; the Indians are lazy;
http://www.pantown.com/group.php?url=content.php&id=36075&name=content2&area=3
Tuesday 30 September 2008
Thursday 25 September 2008
Rotten Tomato Review
Provoked Year Released: 2007
Directed By: Jag Mundhra
Starring: Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das, Robbie Coltrane, Steve McFadden, Nicholas Irons, Lorraine Bruce(NR, 113 min.)
What should have turned out as a terrific movie about the crime of spousal abuse has instead received the equivalent of a ham-handed molestation by director Mundhra. The film, which fictionalizes several aspects of this legal saga based on a true incident, tells the story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Rai), a Punjabi housewife in London, who after enduring 10 years of beatings and rape at the hand of her husband Deepak (Lost's Andrews), burns him to death in his bed while he is asleep. The seemingly meek and passive Kiranjit is remanded to prison for murder, but as her appeal wends its way through the British legal system, the case becomes a precedent-setter for that country's use of the battered-woman's defense. The impressive cast of actors raises Provoked's game somewhat, but still the film's mixture of melodrama and women-in-prison tropes is muted to the point of disinterest. There is no background, psychology, or dimension given to these characters in the screenplay by Carl Austin and Rahila Gupta. Furthermore, Mundhra, a filmmaker whose substantial career primarily comprises direct-to-video, softcore thrillers, delivers a work that is barely adequate in terms of its camera choices and shot compositions, pacing and editing. Provoked is additionally hobbled by the story's episodic structure that periodically inserts typewritten datelines for a journalistic effect, which only winds up disrupting any potential dramatic buildup. Bollywood superstar Rai, often referred to as the most beautiful woman in the world, tones down her stunning features and goes for a natural and unenhanced look (especially once inside prison). Unfortunately, her unvarnished look also extends to her performance, which seems too mild and remote especially for Western audiences and a non-Bollywood feature that doesn't call on her to parlay some of her best assets: singing and dancing. However, even though this is a British-made film, it's impossible not to wonder how this story that stars the national treasure Rai plays in India and other Punjabi enclaves throughout the world. The situation calls to mind the 1984 American television film, The Burning Bed, starring beauty icon Farrah Fawcett and covering surprisingly similar material. Provoked's women-in-prison aspect also disappoints, especially when gauged against the outrageousness of the American subgenre, although Richardson as Kiranjit's cell mate Ronnie gives the film its only real vibrancy. Kiranjit, who claims she finally feels free in prison, receives a cliched version of the sisterhood-is-powerful theme and then vanishes again into the background.
- These quotes suggest that provoked is somewhat confusing as there is too much going on in the narrative. This presents the womens confusion of what they should do in domestic violence.
Provoked Year Released: 2007
Directed By: Jag Mundhra
Starring: Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Naveen Andrews, Rebecca Pidgeon, Nandita Das, Robbie Coltrane, Steve McFadden, Nicholas Irons, Lorraine Bruce(NR, 113 min.)
What should have turned out as a terrific movie about the crime of spousal abuse has instead received the equivalent of a ham-handed molestation by director Mundhra. The film, which fictionalizes several aspects of this legal saga based on a true incident, tells the story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Rai), a Punjabi housewife in London, who after enduring 10 years of beatings and rape at the hand of her husband Deepak (Lost's Andrews), burns him to death in his bed while he is asleep. The seemingly meek and passive Kiranjit is remanded to prison for murder, but as her appeal wends its way through the British legal system, the case becomes a precedent-setter for that country's use of the battered-woman's defense. The impressive cast of actors raises Provoked's game somewhat, but still the film's mixture of melodrama and women-in-prison tropes is muted to the point of disinterest. There is no background, psychology, or dimension given to these characters in the screenplay by Carl Austin and Rahila Gupta. Furthermore, Mundhra, a filmmaker whose substantial career primarily comprises direct-to-video, softcore thrillers, delivers a work that is barely adequate in terms of its camera choices and shot compositions, pacing and editing. Provoked is additionally hobbled by the story's episodic structure that periodically inserts typewritten datelines for a journalistic effect, which only winds up disrupting any potential dramatic buildup. Bollywood superstar Rai, often referred to as the most beautiful woman in the world, tones down her stunning features and goes for a natural and unenhanced look (especially once inside prison). Unfortunately, her unvarnished look also extends to her performance, which seems too mild and remote especially for Western audiences and a non-Bollywood feature that doesn't call on her to parlay some of her best assets: singing and dancing. However, even though this is a British-made film, it's impossible not to wonder how this story that stars the national treasure Rai plays in India and other Punjabi enclaves throughout the world. The situation calls to mind the 1984 American television film, The Burning Bed, starring beauty icon Farrah Fawcett and covering surprisingly similar material. Provoked's women-in-prison aspect also disappoints, especially when gauged against the outrageousness of the American subgenre, although Richardson as Kiranjit's cell mate Ronnie gives the film its only real vibrancy. Kiranjit, who claims she finally feels free in prison, receives a cliched version of the sisterhood-is-powerful theme and then vanishes again into the background.
- These quotes suggest that provoked is somewhat confusing as there is too much going on in the narrative. This presents the womens confusion of what they should do in domestic violence.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
The Guardian film review by..Philip French
Provoked has an important true-life story to tell, of how Punjabi woman Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai) came to England after an arranged marriage to a violent, drunken sadist and bore him two children. In 1988, unable to bear the brutality any longer, she poured petrol over him as he slept and set him alight. She was convicted of murder and jailed for 20 years, but after an appeal three years later, the charge was reduced to manslaughter and she was freed, the case creating a major precedent concerning the nature of provocation.
The film is decent enough but stilted and uncertain, and it doesn't get beneath the surface of the Indian community. The casting of a familiar heavy from EastEnders as a cop and a comedian from 'Allo 'Allo as a barrister creates a certain unease. There is, however, a peculiar poignancy in the presence as Kiranjit's cellmate of Miranda Richardson, who made her unforgettable movie debut as Ruth Ellis in Dance With a Stranger
- this quote suggests that the movie is satisfactory, however it does not get in to the extreme detail in order to explain the fundamentals of the indian society.
Provoked has an important true-life story to tell, of how Punjabi woman Kiranjit Ahluwalia (Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai) came to England after an arranged marriage to a violent, drunken sadist and bore him two children. In 1988, unable to bear the brutality any longer, she poured petrol over him as he slept and set him alight. She was convicted of murder and jailed for 20 years, but after an appeal three years later, the charge was reduced to manslaughter and she was freed, the case creating a major precedent concerning the nature of provocation.
The film is decent enough but stilted and uncertain, and it doesn't get beneath the surface of the Indian community. The casting of a familiar heavy from EastEnders as a cop and a comedian from 'Allo 'Allo as a barrister creates a certain unease. There is, however, a peculiar poignancy in the presence as Kiranjit's cellmate of Miranda Richardson, who made her unforgettable movie debut as Ruth Ellis in Dance With a Stranger
- this quote suggests that the movie is satisfactory, however it does not get in to the extreme detail in order to explain the fundamentals of the indian society.
Migrain...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMrzYzIMMRA
M: In the trailer there are many uses of close-up shots especially on Aishwaryar’s tearful eyes, making the audience feel sympathetic towards her character. The huge use of emotional hard hitting shots, make the audience recognise and identify with the protagonist. The colours used are mainly dark, making the audience feel that the movie is pessimistic. the tone of music shows that there is something dark and deep with emotion unravelling in this movie.
I: Eros International
G: This a true story, with a 'Drama' genre, it can also be seen as a genre of Justice and revenge.
R: -The male is shown to be powerful and heavily dictates towards Kiranjit. It is also portraying male dominance and how we live in a patriarchal society. -The female character is represented as being 'provoked' and the victim in the situation, she is portrayed at being highly inferior compared to Deepak.
A: The target audience for this film is mainly females falling into a vast age group. This film would appeal to individuals aged from 18 to 50; who would fall in the B, C1, and C2 social class. -It would attract family based audience.
I: the ideology that the film is setting out is that do not let men rule the females and to fight back and to reject the patriarchal society. It is heavily based on justice
N: The story line for this film, starts off by a Nuclear family and then by the use of domestic violence, it ruins their relationship. -binary oppositions are imposed, such as good vs. evil
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMrzYzIMMRA
M: In the trailer there are many uses of close-up shots especially on Aishwaryar’s tearful eyes, making the audience feel sympathetic towards her character. The huge use of emotional hard hitting shots, make the audience recognise and identify with the protagonist. The colours used are mainly dark, making the audience feel that the movie is pessimistic. the tone of music shows that there is something dark and deep with emotion unravelling in this movie.
I: Eros International
G: This a true story, with a 'Drama' genre, it can also be seen as a genre of Justice and revenge.
R: -The male is shown to be powerful and heavily dictates towards Kiranjit. It is also portraying male dominance and how we live in a patriarchal society. -The female character is represented as being 'provoked' and the victim in the situation, she is portrayed at being highly inferior compared to Deepak.
A: The target audience for this film is mainly females falling into a vast age group. This film would appeal to individuals aged from 18 to 50; who would fall in the B, C1, and C2 social class. -It would attract family based audience.
I: the ideology that the film is setting out is that do not let men rule the females and to fight back and to reject the patriarchal society. It is heavily based on justice
N: The story line for this film, starts off by a Nuclear family and then by the use of domestic violence, it ruins their relationship. -binary oppositions are imposed, such as good vs. evil
Thursday 11 September 2008
Theorists-LAURA MULVEY
Laura Mulvey, a typical feminist had based her study on the most famous work of ‘Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema during 1973. What this really was about was the work of Hollywood films, and how the males were seen to be the main protagonist. This can be seen to be very ironic at the fact that looking at today’s generation females are seen to be the main protagonist as the audience can identify with them and relate back to them, however this was one of Mulvey’s aim in her study. She added on to say that the audience become familiar with the males protagonist by identification, admiration and aspiration.
The ‘male gaze’ simply means when females are seen to be sex objects, and in movies are only there to be looked at.
Linked to Provoked...
This can be linked back to my study, as I can easily mention the male gaze, looking at Provoked, we see Aishwarya to be the main protagonist as she gets abused by her husband, hence, during the scene of her getting raped by her husband ‘ Sopophilia is seen, we as the audience (male) enjoy watching this happen even though Aishwarya is not portrayed to be a sex symbol.
The ‘male gaze’ simply means when females are seen to be sex objects, and in movies are only there to be looked at.
Linked to Provoked...
This can be linked back to my study, as I can easily mention the male gaze, looking at Provoked, we see Aishwarya to be the main protagonist as she gets abused by her husband, hence, during the scene of her getting raped by her husband ‘ Sopophilia is seen, we as the audience (male) enjoy watching this happen even though Aishwarya is not portrayed to be a sex symbol.
Tuesday 9 September 2008
REVIEW ON PROVOKED
What I found most compelling about this movie is the way in which the core subject matter of the husband abusing his wife was revealed to the audience. It didn't focus entirely on the actual act of abuse which is something the movie could've easily gone in the direction of. One might argue that showing the actual scenes might've garnered more sympathy for Kiranjit but I beg to differ. I think by showing glimpses of the violence and leaving much to the imagination the director has done well to extract genuine sympathy from his audience. I must also mention that Aishwarya Rai has portrayed this role earnestly and might perhaps be the peacock feather in her acting career. She was apt, didn't over or under act and perfectly exhibited the emotional trauma that Kiranjit might've actually been through. The movie was controlled realism, in it that it portrayed the story realistically but didn't go into the gory details, which I believe isn't necessary at all.
HOW ARE ASIAN WOMEN REPRESENTED IN THE FILM 'PROVOKED'?
- I will have to look at the representation of Asian women in cinema over the last few decades and compare them to how they are seen nowadays. I have decided to particularly focus on the film PROVOKED as the representation of the women in their is unfair and completely inferior to males.
Media Representations
Who is being represented?
Through-out the film Provoked both Asian males and females are being represented.
In what way?
The main Asian protagonist (Aishwarya Rai) is shown to be seen in a negative way, making the women look vulnerable and weak, being over ruled by men.
By whom?
kiranjit gets portrayed in a venerable way, by her husband and the judge/jury.
Is the representation fair and accurate?
No, because this is just one individuals view and other Asian males are not like what has been shown in the film, so this is not an accurate or fair representation of all Asian males
Media Languages and Forms
What is the significance mise-en-scene/sets/settings?
“Provoked” has various types of mise-en-scene. The main one is the house that kiranjit and Deepak are living in, with their two children: the audience gets an image of this being a typical nuclear family.
- The jail that Kiranjit is put in is also an important part of mise-en-scene, as it is extremely dull and gloomy which is just like how her married life began).
- From the clothing kiranjit is seen wearing (typical Asian dress), connotes how she is a typical Asian mother and wife. In addition kiranjit is not wearing any make-up through-out the film, being portrayed as very ‘simple’ and innocent looking.
What work is being done by the sound track/commentary/language of the text?
Through-out the film, a lot of parallel music is played; making the audience feel sympathy towards the protagonist. The music empathises on the scenes making them appear very emotional; it also helps the audience related to the victims abuse.
What are the dominant images and iconography, and what is their relevance to the major themes of the text?
The dominant Images we see throughout the movie is the marks of abuse that Kiranjit has received from her husband Deepak.
What are the major themes of the narrative?What values/ideologies does it embody?
The main themes are feminism: race, abuse and ethnicity. It makes the society look as of dominance still exists and that we are living in a patriarchal society. However feminism also does play a big part i the film, especially when they are trying to get justice for Kiranjit.
Genre
To which genre does the text belong? Justice and feminism.
What are the major generic conventions within the text? Abuse, justice, freedom and feminism.
What are the major iconographic features of the text? Abuse.
Does the text feature a star, a director, a writer etc who is strongly associated with the genre? What meanings and associations do they have?
Aishwarya Rai is a famous Bollywood star who is known for her independence. I believe it was good having such an inspirational role model to thousands of women in the world, as the protagonist in the film.
Media Institutions
What is the institutional source of the text?
Eros International is the institutional source of the text. In what ways has the text been influenced or shaped by the institution which produced it? Eros International has produced the text, and as it is such a well-known production they have helped get the film recognised .
Who is being represented?
Through-out the film Provoked both Asian males and females are being represented.
In what way?
The main Asian protagonist (Aishwarya Rai) is shown to be seen in a negative way, making the women look vulnerable and weak, being over ruled by men.
By whom?
kiranjit gets portrayed in a venerable way, by her husband and the judge/jury.
Is the representation fair and accurate?
No, because this is just one individuals view and other Asian males are not like what has been shown in the film, so this is not an accurate or fair representation of all Asian males
Media Languages and Forms
What is the significance mise-en-scene/sets/settings?
“Provoked” has various types of mise-en-scene. The main one is the house that kiranjit and Deepak are living in, with their two children: the audience gets an image of this being a typical nuclear family.
- The jail that Kiranjit is put in is also an important part of mise-en-scene, as it is extremely dull and gloomy which is just like how her married life began).
- From the clothing kiranjit is seen wearing (typical Asian dress), connotes how she is a typical Asian mother and wife. In addition kiranjit is not wearing any make-up through-out the film, being portrayed as very ‘simple’ and innocent looking.
What work is being done by the sound track/commentary/language of the text?
Through-out the film, a lot of parallel music is played; making the audience feel sympathy towards the protagonist. The music empathises on the scenes making them appear very emotional; it also helps the audience related to the victims abuse.
What are the dominant images and iconography, and what is their relevance to the major themes of the text?
The dominant Images we see throughout the movie is the marks of abuse that Kiranjit has received from her husband Deepak.
What are the major themes of the narrative?What values/ideologies does it embody?
The main themes are feminism: race, abuse and ethnicity. It makes the society look as of dominance still exists and that we are living in a patriarchal society. However feminism also does play a big part i the film, especially when they are trying to get justice for Kiranjit.
Genre
To which genre does the text belong? Justice and feminism.
What are the major generic conventions within the text? Abuse, justice, freedom and feminism.
What are the major iconographic features of the text? Abuse.
Does the text feature a star, a director, a writer etc who is strongly associated with the genre? What meanings and associations do they have?
Aishwarya Rai is a famous Bollywood star who is known for her independence. I believe it was good having such an inspirational role model to thousands of women in the world, as the protagonist in the film.
Media Institutions
What is the institutional source of the text?
Eros International is the institutional source of the text. In what ways has the text been influenced or shaped by the institution which produced it? Eros International has produced the text, and as it is such a well-known production they have helped get the film recognised .
Media Audiences
To whom is the text addressed? What is the target audience?
I would say the film is targeted at audiences aged 20-50, mainly females from a c1-c2 social class.
How do you, as an audience member, read and evaluate the text? To what extent is your reading and evaluation influenced by your age, gender, background etc?
i found the text extremely powerful and moving' it was interesting to see how some people can live in fear all those years. Being a female as well as Asian i can identify with 'Kianjit' as people can just stereotype females as with inferior capered to males.
Friday 5 September 2008
A BRIEF SUMMARY
PROVOKED which is set in London, is a heart feeling story about the battle a Punjabi housewife under goes, when she is battered by her husband. Within time she is unable to bear the beatings from her alcoholic husband, and is left to take revenge by setting him on fire. Her actions leave her with being charged with first degree murder and this is sentenced to life imprisonment. In prison she becomes friends with in cell-mate who is so moved by Kamaljits story that she asks her brother, who is a respected queens counsel to file her appeal. the story also becomes noticed to a south Asian group of women called ' Black sisters'; and they also try to get media attention by raising rallies to gather public support for her freedom.
Independent Study Proposal
Independent Study ProposalTitle: Provoked
Director: Jag Mundra
Genre: Drama
Hypothesis: Male dominance still exists today and we live in a patriarchal society.
I am going to investigate: How are Asian women represented in the film 'Provoked'?
PROVOKED- How are Asian women represented in film, with particular reference to 'Provoked'.
Media Language: In the trailer there are many uses of close-up shots especially on Aishwaryar’s tearful eyes, making the audience feel sympathetic towards her character. The huge use of emotional hard hitting shots, make the audience recognise and identify with the protagonist. The colours used are mainly dark, making the audience feel that the movie is pessimistic. the tone of music shows that there is something dark and deep with emotion unravelling in this movie.
Institution: Eros International
Genre: This a true story, with a 'Drama' genre, it can also be seen as a genre of Justice and revenge.
Representation: -The male is shown to be powerful and heavily dictates towards Kiranjit. It is also portraying male dominance and how we live in a patriarchal society. -The female character is represented as being 'provoked' and the victim in the situation, she is portrayed at being highly inferior compared to Deepak.
Audience: The target audience for this film is mainly females falling into a vast age group. This film would appeal to individuals aged from 18 to 50; who would fall in the B, C1, and C2 social class. -It would attract family based audience.
Ideology: the ideology that the film is setting out is that do not let men rule the females and to fight back and to reject the patriarchal society. It is heavily based on justice.
Narrative: The story line for this film, starts off by a Nuclear family and then by the use of domestic violence, it ruins their relationship. -binary oppositions are imposed, such as good vs. evil
Theorists:
Relevant theorists i can use in my study are: Propp and Barthes.
Propp would be good to use in my study as he talks about a hero and villain in a film, and that is what Provoked is all about. Kamaljit(the hero) tyring to battle her way through the villain, who happens to play her husband in the film. Barthes will be good as he talks about enigma codes, and there are many enigma codes that can be seen in Provoked; such as good vs evil.
Where to research:
Types of research where information could be found based on my independent study:-Internet,Books,Asian magazines,People – based on the knowledge which they have based upon the subject,Television programmes,Radio, Newspapers,By watching the film itself can help you to understand and obtain research from it.
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