Sexuality is an essential part of human experience that has been portrayed in various ways through art and entertainment. Erotic films are one such medium that explores sexual themes and depicts different aspects of intimacy between people. These movies often showcase heteronormative dynamics where men initiate and lead while women submit to their desires.
There have been some exceptions where female protagonists take charge and dominate their male partners. This article will examine how erotic films shape gendered expectations of who initiates, leads, or submits in intimacy, considering both the traditional roles and nontraditional ones.
Traditional Roles
In most erotic films, women are portrayed as passive participants who wait for their male partners to initiate and lead the sexual encounter. They may be hesitant or even resistant at first but eventually succumb to their partner's advances. Men are typically shown as dominant and confident, taking control of the situation and guiding their partners towards pleasure.
In the classic film "The Graduate," Mrs. Robinson seduces Benjamin, who initially rejects her advances but ultimately gives into her desires. In this case, the woman takes the active role, while the man responds to her cues and follows her lead.
The film still conforms to a patriarchal view of relationships where the man ultimately controls the interaction.
Many contemporary erotic films also conform to these traditional gender roles. In "Fifty Shades Freed," Christian Grey is the dominant partner who leads Anastasia Steele through various BDSM activities. While she has some agency in setting boundaries, she ultimately submits to his desires and allows him to take charge. This movie reinforces the idea that men should be in charge during sex, and women should acquiesce to their partners' demands.
Non-Traditional Roles
While many erotic films depict heteronormative dynamics, there have been exceptions where female protagonists take control and dominate their male partners. One such example is the film "Sapphic Desires," which features a lesbian couple where one woman initiates and leads the other. The film challenges the traditional gender roles by showing two women engaging in a more fluid and egalitarian relationship. Both partners express their desires and explore different sexual activities together without any hierarchical power dynamics.
Another non-traditional portrayal of intimacy can be seen in "Secretary." Here, the male character is submissive to the female protagonist's sexual desires and participates fully in a BDSM dynamic. He agrees to be tied up and whipped by Lee Holloway, who takes on the dominant role. While this may seem counterintuitive at first glance, it challenges the notion that only men should be in control during sex.
Erotic films often perpetuate traditional gender roles where men lead and women submit.
There are also examples of non-traditional relationships where women take charge or both partners share control equally. These movies provide viewers with an opportunity to challenge normative ideas about sexuality and intimacy while still exploring sexual themes through entertainment.
How do erotic films shape gendered expectations of who initiates, leads, or submits in intimacy?
One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that erotic films often portray sexual activity as an inherently masculine endeavor. The male protagonist is often depicted as the one who takes charge and initiates sexual encounters, while the female character typically follows his lead or submits to him. This can create a cultural expectation among viewers that men should always be the ones to instigate sexual activity and assert their dominance over women.