Evolving Ivans and Static Soviet Women: The Gender Dichotomy in Film Portrayals of Russian Men and Women in Western Films (1939-2010)

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Author
Collier, Krysten S.
Keyword
Sex Roles In Motion Pictures
Soviet Union
History And Criticism
Date Published
2011-06-03

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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12648/6481
Description
The study of the type of films Americans create and consume demonstrates how cultural attitudes are often reflected and reinforced in Western films. Based on the viewing and analysis of approximately two dozen films, I have determined that Western filmmakers working between 193 9 and 2010 have chosen to depict Russian men and women in decidedly different ways. Representations of male Russian characters shifted significantly based on the state of foreign relations. In contrast, female Russian film characters changed little over time. In the interest of producing profitable entertainment, filmmakers developed this formula prior to the start of the Cold War and have continued to employ it. This gender dichotomy is representative of a melding of the belief in the superiority of Western society and patriarchal attitudes. This study documents the changes in depictions of Russian men while also describing the static portrayal of Russian women. Filmmakers are likely to adhere to their current methods of developing Russian characters as long as the films they make continue to be profitable.
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