Proposal for Final Paper!

I've decided it would be fun to stick with my original analysis of Cruel Intentions.

To help with our most previous essay and the proposal for this one, I've re watched the movie twice now, and it's inspired some new thoughts. I'm curious as to how and why Sebastian and Kathryn are able to get away with all the deviant plots they come up with, and why it's so entertaining to watch. It's really interesting to sit down and pick apart a movie you once loved, because now all I do is think of how it completely reflects heteronormativity. I blame you, Yep!

My research question, which very well might change, is why are these two teens able to get away such evil actions and yet it's still scene as attractive? For instance, Kathryn plans and executes ways to completely ruin Cecile's reputation, which is just downright mean, but, it completely comes off as appealing and justified, because Kathryn uses her charm and sexuality.

I guess my question boils down to, what if, like at the end of the film, they got caught, or the roles were reversed? I think this movie challenges heteronormativity, because Kathyrn comes off as the ultimate bitch, because she is almost fully blamed for Sebastien's death, but what if he was just the bad guy? Would the movie be as good? Would we (as the audience) even be interested in the movie if Kathryn weren't so corrupt?

My thoughts are pretty jumbled on this, because this movie has many different layers that dabble with conforming with/going against heteronormativity, and Sebastian's character will be the biggest challenge, because he is the most dynamic in the film, and needs a lot of work, on my part.

My audience will be anyone who has seen this film, and can see where I'm going with my question. I hope to put across how the movie is working on it's own level, but also how it's working within the audience. I hope a get a response that evokes the same curiosity I have, so the next time they watch or think about Cruel Intentions, they have a different view.

My sources may be kind of difficult, but I plan on researching 90's teen flicks, maybe to get a better perspective on the goal of the movie. It also might be smart to look at reviews of the movie, or maybe ask a film student what they think.

I hope to get a good grasp of sources by sometime next week, so I can start working on my paper.

I think I may run into the problem of digging too deep in the paper, so I really need to organize my thoughts and map out a plan.

The goal I hope to reach is coming to some sort of understanding of why films function the way they do; why Cruel Intentions chooses to use the characters and plot that it does, and why it works in the movie world.

Don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue, don't harass.

So, a few weeks ago, I was watching some random international news channel, when the object of "Don't ask, don't tell" came up. The news spot focused on how the United States Military has the policy of anyone of the LGBT community keeping it themselves. This didn't work as planned, because those thought to be homosexual were often discharged, or even worse, like in Barry Winchell's case, killed because of their sexual orientation.

Well,recently, the government has brought up the Military Readiness Enhancement Act in 2009, and it's stirring all sorts of controversy. It basically states that the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy should be abandoned, and it should be a policy to disclose one's sexual orientation.

I have mixed feelings about this whole situation in general. First and foremost, why does it matter if your openly gay and fighting for your country? It should make absolutely no difference, and I find it interesting that the people who have never even volunteered to defend their country often have the most to say about "Don't ask, don't tell". Secondly, what about those who lost their job due to their their sexuality being out in the open? Are they able to get reinstated? Do they even want to go back? I couldn't imagine how humiliating that would be. It was heartbreaking to watch this news scene and see an honorable man break-down because he was stripped of his title due to the fact that he had a male significant other.

Although the Military Readiness Enhancement Act is still in the works, I think it's a definite step in the right direction. My only concern will be the backlash from those serving (or who have served), because I know there are still those who are extremely homophobic and intolerant of the LGBT community. I hope there will be some way to educate them in the importance in each individual who chooses to join the military, no matter their background.

"Introduce her to your world of sex, drugs and... what else do you do? "

Hey guys,

For our next paper, I've decided to take an analytical approach to a film that I have always loved, Cruel Intentions. It hit me right away to write about this movie!

I think this movie is a perfect piece for this paper because it is filled with so many volatile elements, and it'll be fun to pick apart. The first is its overly sexual message, that every character is related to some sexual counter-part, and it makes it the overall theme of the movie. It's also fun because it has drugs, and deceit, and teenage angst. I'm really excited to watch it, but keep in mind everything we learned in class. I plan on deconstructing how it levels itself with all of the sexual overtones, and break-down how they stereotype each character based on their sexuality and how they express it. Some of examples of this include Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character, Kathryn, is only seen as this young, successful, sex vixen, which only has sexual control over the other characters, especially her half brother Sebastian (sick), played by Ryan Philippe. The interesting thing I hope to explore is how, through the events in the plot, the movie questions what over-sexualizing things can do through Ryan Philippe’s relationship with Reese Witherspoon’s character Annette.

My thesis (which is still being worked on): Cruel Intentions relies heavily on over-emphasizing sexuality thus making it an unrealistic portrayal of teenagers.

I hope to show my audience the faults of the film, that although may be fun to watch is too off base with sexuality, and furthers stereotypes within gender.

What do you think?