Masculinity in British Cinema, 1990-2010

The book explores British cinematic representations of masculinity from the 1990s to the 2000s, offering a feminist analysis of key tropes and the shifting representations of masculinity in popular British cinema.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

From the emergence of the "new man" in the 1990s to the rise of the "metrosexual" in the early 2000s, British society was deeply preoccupied with questions about masculinity. This fascination with the concept of masculinity as being somehow in crisis led to a wide range of cinematic representations that explored the evolving nature of this identity.

In this groundbreaking book, the first of its kind to examine British cinematic representations of masculinity in this period, feminist scholar Dr. Sarah Tomley offers a comprehensive analysis of key tropes and themes that emerged during this time. Through a feminist lens, she explores how these representations shape and reflect the shifting dynamics of gender culture in Britain.

The book begins by tracing the emergence of the "new man" in British cinema, a figure who was characterized by his independence, self-confidence, and willingness to challenge traditional gender norms. This character was often seen as a symbol of postfeminism, a movement that sought to redefine the roles of men and women in society. However, as the book progresses, Tomley reveals that the "new man" was not without his flaws, and his representations often perpetuated harmful stereotypes about masculinity.

One of the key themes explored in the book is fatherhood. Tomley argues that the representation of fathers in popular British cinema has been largely negative, with fathers often portrayed as absent, neglectful, or abusive. This portrayal contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequality, as it reinforces the idea that men are not responsible for their children and that women are solely responsible for raising them.

Another important theme explored in the book is masculine violence. Tomley argues that British cinema has often depicted men as violent and aggressive, with scenes of physical violence and aggression being used to demonstrate manhood and strength. This representation contributes to the normalization of violence and reinforces harmful stereotypes about men and women.

To address these issues, Tomley offers a detailed analysis of a range of films that represent masculinity in British cinema during the 1990s and 2000s. These films include classics such as Brassed Off (1996), The Full Monty (1997), Trainspotting (1996), and About a Boy (2002). Through a close reading of these films, Tomley demonstrates how they perpetuate and challenge traditional notions of masculinity.

For example, Brassed Off explores the themes of community, friendship, and masculinity through the story of a group of miners who band together to save their local brass band. The film challenges traditional notions of masculinity by showing men as caring, empathetic, and vulnerable. The Full Monty, on the other hand, portrays men as being comfortable with their bodies and their sexuality, challenging the idea that men must be hyper-masculine to be considered attractive.

Trainspotting, meanwhile, explores the dark side of masculinity through the story of a group of heroin addicts in Edinburgh. The film depicts men as being self-destructive, violent, and addicted, highlighting the destructive effects of drug use on individuals and communities.

About a Boy, meanwhile, explores the complexities of fatherhood and masculinity through the story of a single father who falls in love with a woman with a son. The film challenges traditional notions of masculinity by showing men as capable of emotional vulnerability and tenderness.

In conclusion, this fascinating book offers a critical analysis of British cinematic representations of masculinity in the 1990s and 2000s. Through a feminist lens, Tomley demonstrates how these representations shape and reflect the shifting dynamics of gender culture in Britain. By exploring the themes of fatherhood, masculine violence, and postfeminism, the book provides a valuable insight into an understudied period of British cinema and culture. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of gender studies, film studies, and popular culture.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399527798