How should rape be portrayed in films?

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 18 Sep 2005, 17:41

I personally don't have a problem with the notion of rape scenes on film as long as there is some sort of point to be made or it serves as genuine character/plot motivation. Like in Death Wish: rape (and murder) changes Charlie Bronson from mild-mannered liberal to vigilante. I haven't seen Irreversable or I Spit on Your Grave - the two most controversial "rape" movies - so can't comment on them. The sad fact is that rape is not an uncommon crime so it will naturally appear in many books or films as those media reflect real life. You're far more likely to read in the newspapers about a gang-rape than a bunch of guys twirling nunchkaus at each other. It's unpleasent to watch and that's as it should be. The most interesting example is Straw Dogs: in the uncut version Susan George is shown to begin enjoying her rape (after initial resistance); is it because the rape is being committed by her ex and he's giving her what she once enjoyed or is it because the pleasure of sexual intercourse begins to outweigh the horror of the force? In other words can a woman in any way enjoy rape if there is no physical pain involved? The film raises such an interesting question; though doesn't really tackle it, which unfortunately serves to make the scene more gratuitous and offensive than it might otherwise have been. It would be unique to see a film with a strong rape that actually examines the consequences properly and intelligently.

Toge · Post by **Toge** » 18 Sep 2005, 18:36

I don't think this topic is really suitable mark, for this forum - i'll see how it goes and i'll lock it if everything goes bad.

Yi-Long · Post by **Yi-Long** » 18 Sep 2005, 19:06

I don't like watching rape-scenes, but they're (sadly) a part of reality, so it's only natural that they're shown in some stories as well. For some stories they are neccesarry, or else you won't feel the hate against the bad guy or feel the pain the woman went through etc. It's awkward to watch, but it would have been more awkward if we'd pretend these things never happen. Usually, movies show rape as a horrible horrible thing. Occasionally, they show the victim enjoy the rape. From what I've heard/read, that sometimes happens in real-life as well, either to 'pretend' for your self your enjoying it (making the best out of a bad situation or something, trying to fool your own brain) or sometimes because the victim does get horny (how sad that might seem). I personally find that even more awkward to see, a person enjoying (or pretending to enjoy) being raped, but it does happen occasionally in real life...

I don't think this topic is really suitable mark, for this forum - i'll see how it goes and i'll lock it if everything goes bad.

We're adults here, Toge, discussing a normal subject. This ain't the Pokemon-forum. Please don't censor this board by labeling certain kinds of discussions as 'taboo' ...

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 18 Sep 2005, 19:49

Toge wrote:I don't think this topic is really suitable mark, for this forum - i'll see how it goes and i'll lock it if everything goes bad.

What do you mean? Are you saying the users of this forum are too soft in the head to discuss such matters intelligently? Yi-Long has proved otherwise with a smart post. This topic was born out of comments Romero made in the "disturbing film" thread. I felt that something so commonplace in the media (and in society at large) was worth discussing. If this topic is closed because of censorship reasons, I walk.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:38

I agree with Mark and Yi Long. Why should the thread be closed?

Can we not discuss adult subjects here? This is what the Debate forum is for.

I thought there were 2 rape scenes in Straw Dogs Mark - in the first one (?) Susan George looks to be "enjoying it" in the other one she definitely isn't. Didnt the BBFC highlight this when passing the film uncut?

Markgway · Post by **Markgway** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:57

The two rapes in Straw Dogs are back-to-back. Esentially a continuation within a single scene.

Mordib · Post by **Mordib** » 19 Sep 2005, 07:37

Irreversible is still the only film Id had to switch off due to taste. I have since watched it all the way through, the rape scene is about as necessary as the rest of the film, which isn't very. Plus its gratuitously long.

Still on the topic overall, I don't feel it matters how it is portrayed onscreen, its the viewers reaction thats important. For example, the rape scenes in clockwork orange are set to cheerful music, the rapists are shown enjoying themselves and what little punishment and correction they do get is both portrayed as a bad thing and is hardly specific. Nonetheless, I and most people find the rape scenes most disturbing.

What I am trying to get at is that it shouldnt matter how rape is portrayed in the movies because a person with socially acceptable morals will not take pleasure in it no matter what, whereas someone who does take pleasure at the thought of rape will find rape scenes in any movies, no matter how they are portrayed, appealing.

grim_tales · Post by **grim_tales** » 22 Sep 2005, 13:45

I think the natural reaction would to be repulsed by it (though fair play if you can stomach them). I wouldnt find them "appealing".

What about finding a rape scene where you wouldnt expect to see it? Bearing in mind Iron Fisted Monk is a 70's MA/weapons movie, the rapes are hard to watch there.
Though I think that was Sammo's inention. He doesnt say its a good thing, all it does is show what bastards the Manchus are/were.
Not sure I agree with his stance on violence to women though

Why am I always scratching my head when Bey quotes his line "Hey, men get beat up as well so its fair game!"

(!)

And I know its only movies