In depth plan for my essay

Macro: The representation of masculinity

Hypothesis: " These two independent films subvert from the idea that the more masculine the character is the more dominant and powerful he is "

These two independent crime dramas support each other in the idea that masculinity does not provide power and subvert away from the tradition Hollywood have used for many years, they also show how woman can bring down criminality through their own power, thus showing that women are more superior. Starred up is set in a male prison, where it is usual for a battle of egos to take place, Starred up conforms to this however the governor is a woman and the most powerful inmate does not use violence to portray dominance, where as the most violent inmate is a homosexual, these 3 characters subvert from the idea that masculinity is the source to power. Trance is set in a glossy London where a woman manipulates her way around the men in order to become the top of the hierarchy among the criminals. This film focuses on the obsession of women and their genitalia and how men would go to extreme depths to satisfy woman and to show their masculinity.

Point 1: A controlling female in a male world
Analysis:




 Both films succumb to the idea of 'The Male Crisis' where men are becoming increasingly inferior to women due to the rise of feminism

Trance clips

This shows that the women is in control of the situation, showing that masculinity does not hold the key to power.


Shows that the man with the shotgun ( Frank ) has more power than the others because of the gun. This shows that he has more power which makes him more masculine than the others. It could be said that the use of the gun is cowardly and could demasculise him.


This shows that power comes with strength and power all characteristics associated with men making masculinity a source of power

Starred up videos

Shows that the women is in charge over all of the men, this shows that masculinity does not provide power.


Shows that Eric is in control and uses violence to show power making him more masculine than the character he is beating up, showing that the more masculine the man the more power he holds.


The man controlling the group is the less threatening there e.g deep voice and his build, making him less masculine compared to the others, this shows that masculinity does not provide power.