Promising Young Woman Flashcards
(5 cards)
In the Key Elements of Film Form, what are some key Cinematography features?
The slow pan up Cassie’s body to her hair (12 mins) fetishises her look of ‘perfection’ - subverting the male gaze.
The cinematography makes us complicit in the act of objectification, but the narrative quickly undermines that comfort by revealing her true intentions. By mimicking the visual language of objectification, the film sets the viewer up to question their own perception—and society’s expectations—of what a “perfect woman” should be, making the viewer reflect on how easily beauty can be weaponized or misunderstood.
What are Key Points on Spectatorship in PYW?
Alignment
Allegiance - The direct mode of address shot of Cassie on the bed as Jerry attempts to sexually assault her, positions the spectator to gain allegiance with Cassie as a justified protagonist calling out rape culture and the nice guy predator, acting as moment of recognition between Fennel and spectator
Oppositional Reading - A backlash may take place, where representations of toxic masculinity could lead political reactionaries who believe that Feminism has gone too far, this backlash normally comes from “red pill” culture and incense and men’s rights activist
Preferred Reading - Fennel’s agenda to call out rape culture and everyday sexism may trigger a preferred reading from spectators who empathise with a rape revenge
Key Points on ideology?
Character Hierarchies - PYW reverses male and female gender male hierarchies through vigilante revenge, bringing male oppressors to account - challenging dominant social groups.
Dominant Social Groups - Fennel challenges dominant ideology of patricarhal representation by satirically inverting the gaze in the male pelvises in opening sequence instead of women’s bodies, which is what we usually see in media objectifying women, whilst calling out toxic masculinity and rape culture - challenging dominant ideology of patriarchy in society, showing how normalized those ideas can be.
Ironies to modify binary oppositions - ironic use of non diabetic Charli XCX “I’ve been busy thinking about boys” with slo mo close ups of male pelvises, highlighting absurdity of male Casanova (womaniser) posturing , modifying gender binaries showing that men can be objectified too, which helps to poke fun at and question the usual gender stereotypes.
What are some Key Elements of Sound and Editing?
Diagetic sound from recorded tape with Cassies shocked performance looking at Al’s rape of Nina (with Ryan’s voice) has dramatic impact. due to visual contents of video being off screen
Non diabetic sound track uses femme pop songs WITH FEMINIST PUNK UNDERTONES. (Stars are blind in montage, toxic.
The version used in the film is a dark, orchestral remix, not the fun pop original. That contrast creates a tense and eerie mood, flipping the song’s playful vibe into something menacing. It shows how something that seems fun or harmless (like flirting or partying) can hide danger — just like how toxic behavior can be masked by charm or normalcy.
Britney Spears herself has been a symbol of female objectification and exploitation in pop culture, so using her song connects to the film’s themes about how society treats women.
Editing - Long shot of Al Monroe suffocating Cassie - uncomfortable watch - reflects how long it actually takes to suffocate with pillow
