The purpose of this article is to examine how erotic films reinforce collective archetypes of desire while silencing marginalized expressions of gender, race, class, disability, and orientation. By examining examples from mainstream and independent filmmaking, I will show that erotic films can be seen as both a reflection of society's dominant desires and a means of perpetuating them. This article argues that these films often present a narrow range of acceptable forms of desire and identity, excluding those who do not fit into this mold.
It is important to understand what an archetype is. An archetype is a recurring symbol, character type, motif, or pattern used repeatedly throughout history and literature. In relation to desire, they are unconscious patterns that shape our beliefs about love, sex, and attraction. Collective archetypes refer to shared ideas about desire across cultures, generations, and groups.
The 'whore' archetype portrays women as promiscuous and easily seduced, while the 'knight in shining armor' archetype portrays men as strong, heroic protectors. These archetypes are often based on societal norms and values, which privilege certain identities at the expense of others. Erotic films have historically relied heavily on these archetypes to tell their stories.
Independent films, in contrast, may offer more diverse perspectives on desire, but still rely on traditional tropes like the 'virgin/whore binary'.
In the popular erotic romance film "Fifty Shades of Grey", the female protagonist Anastasia Steele is portrayed as innocent and virginal before meeting her wealthy dominant lover Christian Grey. Throughout the film, she undergoes a sexual awakening, becoming more confident and assertive. This narrative reinforces the idea that women should be passive and submissive in bed, while also presenting them as objects for male pleasure. The film also reinforces gendered power dynamics, with the man controlling the woman's body and desires.
Another way that erotic films can silence marginalized expressions is by excluding non-heteronormative relationships or identities. Many mainstream films center heterosexual relationships, while queer representation remains limited. Gay, transgender, and disabled characters may be included as sidekicks or jokes, rather than complex characters with their own desires and needs. Independent films such as "Bound" challenge this status quo, showing two lesbian protagonists navigating a complicated relationship.
They may still reinforce other forms of oppression, such as ageism, sizeism, ableism, and racism.
Erotic films are a reflection of our culture's dominant ideas about love, sex, and identity. They often perpetuate narrow, harmful archetypes that exclude those who do not fit into these molds. While independent films may offer more diverse perspectives, they too can fall prey to unconscious biases. To create truly inclusive and empowering media, we must question our assumptions about desire and work towards creating more equitable representations of all identities.
How do erotic films reinforce collective archetypes of desire while silencing marginalized expressions?
The depiction of sexuality in movies is not only an effective way for people to explore their desires but also a powerful medium that reinforces certain stereotypical attitudes towards love and sex. The power dynamics between men and women, heteronormativity, and ideal body types are some of the most recurring themes in these narratives.