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.