bell hooks and gender
The Returned is an ambiguous show in the sense that it is unclear whether the aim of the way in which gender is represented is a part of the problem of what bell hooks describes as patriarchal oppression and the ideology of domination or is part of the solution. In terms of the argument that the show is part of the problem, it could be said that the consistent use of violence against women, which is extremely graphic and gory, portrays women as helpless and weak. This is demonstrated through Serge's killings and attacks of Lucy and Julie. These scenes include close up shots of them being brutally stabbed, indicating the control and domination that men have over women. Furthermore, Claire as a female character lacks depth and is presented as very passive and stereotypical. She is defined by domesticity, for example, by constantly being filmed in the setting of the home, when other characters such as Jerome are seen in various locations such as the police station, the support centre etc. Additionally, we see her needing to call Pierre or Jerome for help and support on numerous occasions, implying she cannot handle difficult situations by herself.
On the other hand, it could be argued that the show is an example of a media product which comments on the issues surrounding male domination in society. For example, it could be said that The Returned focuses on the brutal attacks on women in the show because it is trying to present and condemn the fact that women are too often harmed or made to be victims at the hands of others, usually men. The show reinforces this by showing how the way in which the male characters die juxtaposes the female characters. For example, both Simon and Mr Costa die as a result of their own actions, by taking their own lives, whereby Mrs Costa is brutally murdered in a fire set by her husband. However, this scene in particular could be viewed as unnecessary violence against women.
A breakdown of these characters and their representations as women
Claire and Julie are represented as stereotypical motherly figures/carers. Julie takes Victor in, a child she does not know and cares for him by giving him shelter and food. This suggests that women have a maternal nature and that even a woman with no children of her own can and will feel this.
Claire welcomes home Camille with loving arms and dotes on her from the moment she returns, without even questioning the bizarre and terrifying nature of the event, implying that a mothers love is the only important thing. There is a use of close ups of Claire to reinforce her passive representation, the gaze between her and Jerome or Pierre shows how she often looks to others for help or an explanation.
In the first episode, Adele is arguably represented as extremely over emotional and hysterical when she thinks Simon is appearing as a ghost in her mind. Furthermore, when Simon first sees Adele, she is in a wedding dress and this portrays her in that stereotypical, traditional feminine role of wife and mother.
Lucy's constructed representation is one for the male gaze. Her clothes and brutal murder suggest the ways in which young women are often dominated by older, violent men.
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