The film "King Kong" is one of the most famous films of Pre Code Hollywood. Its success was referred to the variety of topics and narratives that the film includes, combined with an excellent use of sound and special effects. This text lays the focus on the aspect of gender roles in the film.
It will be shown that especially the figure of Ann Darrow embodies different stereotypes and that she can be seen as an example for an independent woman but also as a model for a more traditional image of womanhood. First of all the various contexts shall be presented (Historical context, men and women during the Great Depression and Hollywood during the Great Depression).
After that follows a short analysis of two other important aspects, the Woman´s film and the aspect of race in expedition films. Both of them are strongly interwoven with the question about gender roles in "King Kong". Finally the main characters in "King Kong" are going to be analyzed in view of the gender roles they embody and also how they change.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Context
- Men and Women during the Great Depression
- Hollywood during the Great Depression
- Hollywood and Gender in General- The Woman's film
- The Role of Race in Expedition Films
- The Gender Roles in King Kong
Objectives and Key Themes
This text analyzes the gender roles depicted in the film King Kong, focusing on the character of Ann Darrow as an embodiment of both independent and traditional female stereotypes. The analysis is contextualized within the historical backdrop of the Great Depression and its impact on American society and Hollywood cinema.
- Gender roles during the Great Depression
- The portrayal of women in Pre-Code Hollywood films
- The "Woman's film" genre and its characteristics
- The influence of economic and social anxieties on film narratives
- Analysis of character archetypes and their evolution in King Kong
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for an analysis of gender roles in King Kong, highlighting the film's historical context within Pre-Code Hollywood and its multifaceted narrative. The text promises to explore Ann Darrow's character as a complex representation of female stereotypes, examining her portrayal against various societal and cinematic influences.
Historical Context: This chapter explores the socio-economic climate of the Pre-Code era (1930-1934), focusing on the Great Depression's profound impact on American society. It discusses the erosion of traditional values and the ensuing questioning of American ideals like individualism and upward mobility. The chapter also examines President Roosevelt's New Deal and its attempt to restore traditional gender roles, emphasizing the prioritization of male employment and the promotion of women's domesticity. The economic crisis is positioned as a crucial context influencing the cultural shifts reflected in the films of the time.
Men and Women during the Great Depression: This section delves into the lived experiences of men and women during the Great Depression, highlighting the challenges faced by both genders. It discusses the shift in societal perception of women, with the "flapper girl" image giving way to a more maternal and unthreatening ideal. The chapter explores the economic pressures leading to family instability, including increased desertion rates and the dualistic expectations placed on women—to be both competent and submissive. Men's struggles with their role as providers and breadwinners are also emphasized, illustrating the widespread identity crisis that pervaded society.
Hollywood during the Great Depression: This chapter examines the impact of the Great Depression on Hollywood's cinematic output. It highlights the rise of the sound film and its role in Hollywood's Golden Age, alongside the concurrent rise of radio broadcasting. The chapter analyses Hollywood's response to the economic crisis, including the embrace of escapism in adventure films and the exploration of social realism in genres like gangster films. The lack of censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood is underscored as a factor allowing for a more overt engagement with societal issues and challenges, including exploring themes of social disorder and anxieties.
Hollywood and Gender in General- The Woman's film: This section focuses on the representation of gender in Pre-Code Hollywood films and introduces the concept of the "Woman's film." It analyses the genre's characteristics, including its focus on female characters, emotional narratives, and exploration of themes like romance, marriage, and female independence. The chapter compares the "Woman's film" to male-oriented films, contrasting their visual styles, themes, and portrayals of female protagonists. The chapter lays the groundwork for examining whether King Kong fits within this specific genre.
Keywords
Pre-Code Hollywood, Great Depression, gender roles, women's film, King Kong, Ann Darrow, economic anxieties, social realism, escapism, character archetypes, female representation, cinematic history.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Gender Roles in King Kong
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive analysis of gender roles as depicted in the film King Kong. It examines the character of Ann Darrow, exploring how she embodies both independent and traditional female stereotypes. The analysis is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Great Depression and its significant impact on American society and Hollywood cinema.
What historical context is considered?
The text extensively explores the socio-economic climate of the Pre-Code era (1930-1934), specifically focusing on the Great Depression's profound influence on American society. It details the erosion of traditional values, the questioning of American ideals, President Roosevelt's New Deal, and its impact on traditional gender roles. The economic crisis is presented as a crucial factor shaping the cultural shifts reflected in the films of that era.
How are the experiences of men and women during the Great Depression addressed?
The text delves into the lived experiences of both men and women during the Great Depression, highlighting the challenges faced by each gender. It examines the changing societal perception of women, the economic pressures leading to family instability, and the dualistic expectations placed upon women – to be both competent and submissive. It also addresses the struggles of men in maintaining their roles as providers and breadwinners.
What is the impact of the Great Depression on Hollywood discussed?
The text analyzes Hollywood's response to the economic crisis, including the rise of the sound film, the increase in escapist adventure films, and the exploration of social realism in genres like gangster films. The lack of censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood is examined as a key factor enabling a more direct engagement with social issues and anxieties.
What is the "Woman's film" genre, and how does it relate to the analysis?
The text introduces the "Woman's film" genre, analyzing its characteristics such as its focus on female characters, emotional narratives, and themes like romance, marriage, and female independence. It compares "Woman's films" to male-oriented films and explores whether King Kong can be categorized within this genre.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of King Kong?
Key themes include gender roles during the Great Depression, the portrayal of women in Pre-Code Hollywood films, the characteristics of the "Woman's film" genre, the influence of economic and social anxieties on film narratives, and an in-depth analysis of character archetypes and their evolution within King Kong.
What are the main chapters covered in the text?
The text includes chapters on: Introduction, Historical Context, Men and Women during the Great Depression, Hollywood during the Great Depression, Hollywood and Gender in General - The Woman's film, The Role of Race in Expedition Films (though not detailed in the provided summary), and The Gender Roles in King Kong.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Pre-Code Hollywood, Great Depression, gender roles, women's film, King Kong, Ann Darrow, economic anxieties, social realism, escapism, character archetypes, female representation, and cinematic history.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Fabian Lukas (Author), 2015, Gender roles in "King Kong" (1933). Ann Darrow as an example for independent women or the traditional image of womanhood??, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/321385
