Thelma and Louise (1991) and Masculine Representation

Abstract

[eng] This paper examines the masculine representation in the 80’s classic Thelma and Louise (1991) and its relation with hegemonic masculinity and profiles of abuse. The rise of Critical Male Studies (CSM) as an academic field in the last few decades has contributed to the rise of revisions and analysis of cultural texts that portray gender inequalities and significant representations of patriarchal dynamics. Thelma and Louise (1991), considered by many as a classic of feminist cinema, has been the subject of many academical discussions since it was released. Although the gendered dimension of the film has been the central topic of many of these investigations, not many of them present an analysis of its depiction of masculinity. Through an in-depth analysis of the five main male characters, this paper aims to explore the problematic nature of these representations and demonstrate their role as pillars of the patriarchal structure.