The representation of feminity and transgendered characters in films of

Pedro Almodvar
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Barrett, Louisa (2012) The representation of feminity and transgendered characters in films of Pedro
Almodvar. BA dissertation, University of Portsmouth.
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Abstract
Pedro Almodvars early films during the 1970s clearly represent the Madrid movida movement celebrating
the freedom of expression which was restrained during the Franco dictatorship (1939-1975). The freedom of
expression in Almodvars films very often is expressed through sex, gender and sexuality. His use of
transgendered characters (especially male to female) covers many areas of alternative sexualities. Their
performance of femininity, questions what is classed as masculine and what is feminine. This thesis will look
at the representation of femininity by the male-female transgendered characters in Almodvars films; High
Heels (Tacones lejanos, 1991), and All About my Mother (Todo Sobre Mi Madre, 1999). In addition, the
position where transgendered characters are placed within the narrative and how they affect the plot of the
film will also be explored. Also, there will be a section looking into comparing and contrasting between the
two films. Almodvar uses his transgendered characters in his films in order to express the free flow of
gender and identity by either positioning them as supportive roles to the biological female protagonists and/or
a tool of comic relief. With doing this they break the social norms and boundaries of sexuality created by
society, in order to celebrate and liberate the idea that it is down to the individual and their choice of how
they want to be perceived to the outside world. Theories by Judith Butler were discussed alongside Queer
Theory, gender, clothes and costumes with identity, notions of camp humour, genderfucking, and bi-sexed
identities. These theories will be discussed to see how Almodvar represents alternative Spanish identities
within his films.
Item Type: Dissertation
Departments/Research
Groups:
Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries > School of Creative Arts, Film
and Media
Depositing User: Jane Polwin
Date Deposited: 08 Jan 2014 15:26
Last Modified: 08 Jan 2014 15:26
URI: http://eprints.port.ac.uk/id/eprint/14056
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