Yet another Sucker Punch post.

[rogueslayer452]

I want to share this interview because within it, Jena Malone and Emily Browning discuss the very topic about how certain people are viewing Sucker Punch, which is for the boys more than the women, and they give an excellent response which mirrors my own opinion and view on the film as a whole in such a calm, polite and concise manner than how I could have placed it. I suggest everyone, especially those skeptical or hesitant about the movie due the negative reviews, to watch and see their response because I think they are spot-on what I have been feeling but couldn't articulate properly without getting into a particular rant about something or other. In fact, the majority of the interviews with the cast, Emily in particular, have them articulate so well about their views on the story of the film itself that I feel they understand it way more than anyone else does. Emily gives the best description about the meaning behind the film in this interview.

In light of that, here are some amazingly well-written counter-arguments regarding the film and the cynicism it's been receiving. I highly suggest taking a look, because they are all thought-provoking and worth the read (caution: some contain heavy spoilers for the film):


Sucker Punch Part 1: The Story That One One Is Talking About and Part 2: Women, Weapons and Self-Sacrifice

"A few more words on Sucker Punch" via yoonikim @ Tumblr

This is an excellent write-up response made by thecannibalcollective, which includes examples of other classic superheroes such as Catwoman and Wonder Woman who also dress in a provocative sense, however aren't deemed to be over-sexualized like many naysayers are saying is happening with the Sucker Punch ladies.

An excellent post breaking down the arguments and debunking them posted by shadrad

Feminism and Sucker Punch by revertigo, short but to the point.

"I like kicking ass in high heels. That doesn't mean I'm a bad feminist." by leupagus I highly recommend reading this one in particular because it's very well articulated on the fact that this film can, in fact, be viewed as a feminist film, just not a comfortable one. And I have to agree with certain points because following the story it is about the girls, just the outcome isn't what you expect it to be but it still is about them and their journey for survival and it pays off in the end.

Another post discussing what people are missing, with a Buffy quote to emphasis their point written by impertinence

Sucker Punch and mainstream feminism also written by impertinence, however with a personal anecdote attached which really shows just how mainstream feminism shouldn't be speaking for everyone and anyone, women especially, who have found something they liked, even empowering, about the movie that they deem to be sexist and anti-feminist. This is something I hugely agree with what this person is saying because it's the main problem I have with many mainstream feminists who consider themselves the voices of all women. Like I mentioned in my previous post, don't belittle my right to feel empowered just because you aren't.

"In conclusion, I stand by my 'it's Inception but a lot less dull and about misogyny' assessment." written by sohotrightnow giving the acknowledgment on what the film touches on, and turns it on its head that it's a good thing.

The problem isn't Zack Snyder. The problem is you. This article gives valid points about why certain people are jumping on the bandwagon of criticizing the film, why it's ridiculous and why they shouldn't. I don't necessarily agree with everything being said in the article, but it's an interesting read nonetheless.

In Defense of Sucker Punch: Uncovering the Method Behind Zack Snyder's Madness, which is a greatly detailed article and analysis.


When reading these articles and posts, I stumbled across the realization about why the knee-jerk reaction of criticism occurs, which is mainly due to the triggering themes and subject matter. However this reaction is often misdirected which leads to blaming the film and calling it sexist instead of focusing on the bigger picture of what the story was actually representing. One doesn't have to like the film by any means, but there's a difference between that and blaming the film/director in its entirety.

Comments

[cheerful-earl.livejournal.com]

He kept calling them "girls" and sort of nicely directing them to do stuff. He was like, "Girls, go sit down there and watch the trailer." It seemed a little condesending, but since they're young and he was their director, I didn't think too much of it until seeing the movie, where the same sort of language was used a lot. I kept thinking about that- how he wrote the movie and kept using the same language, even the same sort of tone, with these "girls". I know that they *are* significantly younger than he is but after seeing the movie it would NOT get out of my head.

[rogueslayer452.livejournal.com]

Huh. Interesting. I could see where that may be problematic for some, but in all honesty I don't think he means anything by it. From what they've said about him as a person he's incredibly sweet and nice.