| dc.description.abstract | The scholarly discourse regarding male mental health in film overlooks the portrayal of emotional expression or suppression. Films are perceived as having a strong influence on social dynamics and cultural norms regarding gender standards and power dynamics portrayed, thus this gap leads to a lack of recognition and understanding of men’s emotional experiences. For this reason, it is important to analyze how male mental health is represented through the intersection of masculinity and mental health. In the drama film Whiplash (2014), a reflective dynamic of masculinity in the music industry is shown from the perspective of drum student Andrew, with his demanding mentor Fletcher. Focused on these dynamics concerning masculinity, mental health and filmic representation through cinematic form, this research answered the following question: How is the intersection of masculinity and mental health represented in Damien Chazelle’s drama film Whiplash (2014)?
This analysis focused on the concepts of representation, hegemonic masculinity, toxic masculinity, egalitarian masculinity, and emotional vulnerability as a lens, to discover how Whiplash creates meaning through Andrew’s character development using filmic devices color, editing, sound, score, and music. This was exhibited through textual analysis according to Richard Dyer’s model of description, contextualization, and interpretation, complimented with a digital methods approach. The analysis of Whiplash illustrates Andrew’s character development through the mental obstacles related to masculinity, power dynamics and the cost of greatness, where his emotional vulnerability has been exposed through the devices. Through the progression in Andrew’s character toward egalitarian masculinity, Whiplash presents marginalization of Fletcher’s identity, thereby toxic masculinity, and steps away from traditional ideas of masculinity regarding emotional suppression. It addresses hierarchical discrimination in the music industry by showing how Andrew deals with intergenerational hegemonic masculinity and confrontations with toxic masculinity from which his mental health suffers. By displaying inner, emotional problems inherent in these dynamics, Whiplash problematizes emotionally suppressive standards regarding hegemonic and toxic masculinity, shedding light on their potential detrimental effects and prompting reflection on societal expectations surrounding masculinity and the consequences of adhering to rigid gender norms. | |
