Sleeping with the Enemy

Paper Summary:

This paper conducts a detailed analysis of the film "Dead Calm" (1988), paying particular attention to the scene that is viewed by many sources as a depiction of rape. Using psychoanalytical film theory and feminist film reading techniques, it breaks down and analyses key scenes in order to uncover the balance of power between the primary characters. Castration theory is used to support the gender based reading, as is the ideas of anima and animus, used here to support the balancing of masculinity and femininity as a tool for victory. It also looks at similarities between the film and biblical mythology including a character comparison with Adam, Eve and Satan, and similarities between the film's diegesis and the Garden of Eden and Hell.

Outline
Illustrations list
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter One: Literary Review
Chapter Two: Battle of the Sexes
Chapter Three: Delving Beneath the Waters of Eden
Chapter Four: Hero's Journey and Hidden Agendas
Conclusion
Reference List
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"After a failed attempt to leap onto the Saracen from a rowing boat, which results in John being injured by the propeller, John is metaphorically left castrated, de-masculinised, bleeding and stranded on a sinking ship. He is no longer the naval captain and master of the feminine sea, but now a possible victim of it. He remains a strong and competent character and is immediately active in attempting to regain power of the Orpheus which has been crippled by water. He remains a symbol of manhood, almost becoming a male action hero, at times appearing bare-chested while fixing the engine, displaying his bronzed and glistening torso."

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