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80's Film Focus
Men were given emotional feelings that were hidden behind acts of violence. Films glorified in destruction and action, with hardened heroes such as Arnold Schwarzenegger.
These films reinforced assumptions of a man's characterizations of heroism, individualism, and bodily integrity
It was believed that the happiness and well-being of society as a whole depends upon the condition of these men, whether that happiness be defined as national security, social justice, or familial bliss. -
Lethal Weapon
A bit of a different perspective of masculinity.
Danny glover, a black man, is shown as a family man but is able to kill true criminals while staying faithful to his values.
He does not have to discover feelings for family as he already has them.
Masculinity was not taken away from him.
It is believed that he did not carry the white man's burden of having to choose between being manly or having a family. -
90's Film Focus
90's films began telling stories as if the men themselves were self-destructive. Heroes believed they were betrayed by their own bodies due to disease, wounds, or programming. Men were reaching out to find violence to cover up their emotions, such as being lonely. This began the change in men relying on their families to bring them happiness and wholeness. It was believed that this was only a white man's issue. -
Robocop 2
Distress was brought into this hero’s life by the conflicts of his bullet-proof exterior and his memories of his family.
Robocop's body was protected from physical harm but not the deep isolation and loneliness from not being with his family.
This film showed that behind tough bodies is a man that is caring, troubled, and sensitive.
Unlike most other 1990 films, this did not have a typical happy ending. -
Kindergarten Cop
John Kimball began as a tough, brutal, unshaven cop who writes the rules as he goes to put away criminals as a typical 80's man. He broke through emotional family barriers to keep a woman and child, changing him into a new type of masculinity. He gives up police work to teach kindergarten and his problems are solved through a return to a family man. This film taught the lesson that the hard-driving, violent, and individualistic man of the 80’s is not like that of choice. -
Films by Black Directors
Black directors tended to emphasize family and masculinities as being capable of having both.
Examples:
John Singleton’s "Boyz in the Hood"
Matty Rich’s "Straight out of Brooklyn"
Spike Lee’s "Jungle Fever"
80’s films were never meant to figure black men’s bodies in the first place as having the same issues as a white man. -
1991 Films
1991 began showing every side of every man.
Examples:
Billy Crystal in "City Slickers" discovers his meaning of life and must return to his family
Micheal Keaton in "One Good Cop"
Steve Brooks in "Switch"
Terminator in "Terminator 2"
Robocop is more than a machine
Kimball is more than a cop
Terminator is not a killer -
Beauty and the Beast
Disney's main change to this film is that he put a focus on the beast’s victimization.
Perfect example of a transformation from the 80’s man to the 90’s man.
This film offered the reasons for mens aggressive behaviors and suggested that they should not only be forgiven but helped along ward revealing their true inner selves.
This put forward the image of unloved and unhappy white men who need kindness and affection, rather than criticism and reform, in order to become heir true selves again
