Cultura da mídia e representações do feminino: uma análise de Wonder Woman (2017)

Abstract

This research analyzes the development of female protagonism in super-hero cinema, specifically in the movie Wonder Woman released in 2017. Seeks to understand how the female gender is represented in this film and if there is any dialogue with agendas of feminist movements. It discusses what is elaborated about the feminine through the protagonism of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), and the constructions on gender based on other prominent female characters. Considering the context of the work's production, in which feminine organizations assume new configurations throughout the world, it becomes necessary in this case, to understand the negotiations carried out with feminist movement agendas, their limits and their possibilities when addressed by a product of media culture. To this end, the methodological proposals of Marcos Napolitano are used for the treatment of audiovisual sources through a dense description of the elements that constitute cinematographic language, and that of Douglas Kellner for diagnostic critique, focused on the critical analysis of products originating from media culture. Questions about gender are based on the approaches of Linda Nicholson and Teresa de Lauretis on the topic. And regarding the concept of representation, the discussions are based on the work of Stuart Hall. The existence of ambiguous approaches on the female gender are noticeable, as well as the presence of a cultural criticism constructed through the historical period elaborated in the narrative, and through the contrasts between the female characters. As a product of mediatic culture, it opens space for feminist issues, but remains ambiguously characterized, aligning itself with hegemonic agendas and reinforcing conservative standards through its imagery.