Criticisms of Womens Roles in 1930s Film Research Paper - 5

Criticisms of Womens Roles in 1930s Film - Research Paper Example In addition, irrespective of specific female stars’ legendary statues, gender roles have been firmly reinforced by role these women have played (Dawson, 1995, p. 71). This research paper provides a detailed analysis of how Hollywood portrayed women in film focusing particularly ob the 1930s using Gold diggers of 1933 as a framework. To fully cover the topic, four themes will be discusses: the representation of women in early 1930s film, the portrayal of women, the real-life role of women, and the criticism women’s role in these films (Kolbjornsen, 1998, p. 1). The 1930s remains a renowned era of depression. As such therefore, it provides an interesting backdrop to research thoroughly how women are portrayed as a result of the changed morals and cynicism globally. In one of his publications, Kaplan (1994:3) states that Hollywood cinematography in many instances objectified women for men’s pleasure. Another author, Mulvey (1989, p. 56), depicts that that the role women play is worth looking but not worth listening. This proves the controversy that has existed among scholars in respect to women role in Hollywood films. During this era therefore, men viewed women in diverse dimensions, referred to as Madonna (housewives)/whore complex. To many, therefore, women were objects of sexual fulfillments, and hence sexually active whores, or simply pristine and powerless Madonnas. Arguably, it is for this reason that Gates (2011, 23) states that the manner in which women images are presented in Hollywood film solely aims at gratifying male vie wers. As evident in Gold diggers of 1933, argument that women are sex objects in films is a full display. Ginger Rogers, Joan Blondell and Ruby Keeler play the major roles of women. In their role, they appear as stereotypical bombshells, slender and beautiful, and in many of their appearances dressed in skimpy costumes.