Comments on: A little about violence against women: Watchmen and beyond

By: femspotter

femspotter — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:52:17 +0000

Thanks for your comment! :)

I recently re-watched the opening montage and was struck by a “Last Supper” -type depiction of the Watchmen. Silk Spectre is pregnant, so it’s obviously post-rape; and she’s smiling affectionately down at the Comedian. A friend of mine pointed out to me that the film/comic is set in an era before rape was easily condemned – as opposed to now, right?! I still don’t think it’s acceptable for the filmmakers to shirk the responsibility of condemning something violent and misogynist, whatever era they’re depicting. Apparently, Snyder’s next film is also full of scantily-clad women. I hope he’s more responsible this time, leaving teen boys and girls something to think about besides the sex and violence that they aren’t emotionally mature enough to understand.

By: Alaina

Alaina — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:02:49 +0000

I completely agree with you. When I first saw the watchmen (it was a rental) I was appalled by the rape scene and how a heroine who could fight back, didn’t do anything. It didn’t make sense to me. And I noticed the misogynistic tone early on in the film. It really shook me seeing so much violence against women in a blockbuster film. I think what shook me the most was the fact that the rape scene wasn’t condemned in any way through the movie. I expected the bad guy to really get it, but I failed at seeing any justice prevail. After the movie, I felt bad for the female characters in the film, who didn’t have much to offer other than sexuality. This movie is a good example of how violence in a movie should be shocking, but doesn’t come across as so. When I questioned my male friends on the film, they loved it and didn’t see anything wrong with the violence. Why should we women be the only ones who notice misogyny?

By: femspotter

femspotter — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:59:05 +0000

I hadn’t thought about The Silence of the Lambs, but that’s an excellent mention. I remember watching that movie when I was about 13 and hovering over the cable box (this was before we had a remote control – if you can believe that!) ready to change the channel at any moment. In fact, I think I might have changed the channel several times when I got too scared to go on. My parents knew I was watching it and floated in and out of the room. They were on hand to answer any questions I had later on. I remember that I didn’t sleep a wink that night, afraid that Hannibal Lector was going to come and eat me. You’re right, though…I doubt it would scare anybody today. We’ve seen too much!

By: faemom

faemom — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:43:54 +0000

The sad thing about the violence and the sex in the movies is that it has to get bigger and worse. I think of the R movies in my childhood. Would any one of these kids be freaked out by “Silence of the Lambs”? Unfortunately there are tons of teens out there watching movies they shouldn’t and their parents don’t discuss it with them at all. I just wonder what marketed violence my sons will be enticed to watch. I should go see the movie so we can talk more about it.

By: femspotter

femspotter — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:51:49 +0000

Thank you, Nora.

By: Actual Lesbian

Actual Lesbian — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:50:25 +0000

Wow! You managed to silence a tween commentator on IMDB. Your debating skills are truly awe-inspiring.

By: Mom

Mom — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:36:59 +0000

WOW Well and pointedly PUT!
I am terribly frightened for the ethics and morals of the people in this and subsequent generations which can so easily be moulded by cleverly packaged visual stimuli. I see so many around me who fail to take and/or accept personal responsibility for themselves and their actions in this “it’s only wrong if you get caught” world. I can’t imageine how much more impossible life will be should viewers become desensitized to the pain and suffering inflicted on living creatures by those who don’t know or understand personal limits. Very, very frightening.