Feminist views on 'The Bridge'

Is “patriarchal oppression and the ideology of domination” evident in “The Bridge”? Or does it challenge this concept?

Feminist approaches to the bridge

Socialist feminist perspective: The “superwoman” figure is middle-class Lise, wife of a rich man – implies that women may still be reliant on males financially. Her attitude is right-wing rather than socialist and is portrayed negatively. 

Liberation can only be achieved by working to end both the economic and cultural sources of women oppression.

Radical feminist perspective: Gender roles are challenged and characters reject them – but - when patriarchy is challenged (e.g. through Helle Anker promotion of gender neutrality and lesbian marriage) it destroys women (e.g. she is murdered).

View society as fundamentally a patriarchy. Male supremacy is eliminated in all social and economic context.

Liberal feminist perspective: representation of women has improved as ideology has changed. Representations reflect more liberal ideology and attitudes to gender and sex in Scandinavia.

Focuses on women's ability to maintain their equality through their own actions and choices.

   Van Zoonen’s viewpoints on the bridge.

Framing: Dominant narrative positioning  (in the car with her as she crosses the Bridge). Right-hand framing is dominant and classically “masculine.”

Costume and mise-en-scene: Wearing khaki and greys – costumed in “tough” leather, boots, military-style coat - connotations of masculinity. No makeup.

Scar – conventionally masculine and connotes violence

Performance: Saga as active protagonist – moves all the time. ‘Masculine’ stance and walk. Her famous ‘stare’ and lack of humour. Vocal delivery is clipped and precise and she uses words only when required– strong, silent type.

Technical codes: Profile shots and shots from behind imply mystery and something hidden (lacks the openness of traditional ‘feminine’ representations.

Closed frames – often behind glass connote isolation/entrapment of main character. The barrier created visually between them and others.

Strength is emphasised by low angled shots.

High contrast lighting creates shadows and suggests hidden darkness.

Are there other elements of her representation in the rest of the text which are not “feminine”?

Attitude (and intra-diegetic gaze) of others to her – e.g. Hanne, Lillian.

Lacks empathy (picture and Helle Anker’s wife) Saga’s inability to empathise and communicate emotionally is more traditionally “masculine” as a trait.

Eating microwave meals – not domestic

Matter-of fact attitude to sex and nudity (e.g.whips off her T-shirt in the office).