vertigo compared to OFOTCN

Vertigo and OFOTCN representation comparisons.

what tare the representations of men and women in Vertigo and how is the idea of 'madness' portrayed? how does this compare to representations in One Flew Over the Cuckoos nest?

gender representations:

in Vertigo women are presented as holding power over the male characters. Madeleine uses her sexuality and desirability in order to hold power over Scottie, which helps her to succeed in covering up the murder. her power and control is also held due to her elusive nature and by the fact that as a woman, she is a symbol of seduction and illusion. Scottie seeks romantic illusion and idealistic love. this is suggested when he rejects Midge in favour of Madeleine. Midge offers a relationship that is grounded and attainable, whereas Madeleine symbolises elusive and dreamlike qualities surrounding love. her insanity is helps convey these qualities and therefore, madness in this film is intended to appear alluring and endearing.

the power division between men and women is similar in OFOTCN. the majority of men are presented as weak and submissive, however the female characters appear to posses confidence and often express dominating personalities. Nurse Ratchet exerts her domination over the patients by acting as a strong mother figure, who made them feel like submissive children. Candy shows dominance through her sexuality, as the men were shown to admire and to be in awe of her presence.

In Vertigo men are suggested to have a lack of power and freedom compared to the pre-war period. the men in the film constantly speak of their desire for more freedom and control over their lives. this lack of freedom was felt by men returning from war as there was a lot of anxiety and uncertainty felt in american society at the time.