Transphobia can be defined as fear, disgust, stereotyping, or hatred of transgender, transsexual and other gender non-traditional individuals because of their perceived gender identity, expression, or status. Transgender is an umbrella term denoting or relating “to a person whose self-identity does not conform unambiguously to conventional notions of male or female gender.” Transsexual refers to a person either pre-op or post-op. A transvestite or cross dresser can be defined as a person of either sex who derives erotic pleasure from cross-dressing. Gender should be understood to mean the ‘hetero-normative’ social and cultural codes of masculinity and femininity, rather than the biological male/female anatomical sex. Although the essay focuses on two films containing transgender serial killers, it must be noted (in order to understand the extent of the stereotype) that many more depictions of transgender killers exist in the horror/thriller genre: Dressed To Kill (1980), Cherry Falls (2000) and Sleepaway Camp (1983) to name just a few. The essay addresses depictions of transgender identities in connection with derogatory stereotypes and consequently hopes to reveal a correlation between public perceptions associated to transgender individuals and the way in which they are portrayed on screen.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Transphobia and Transgender Identities in Popular Culture
- Transvestites on Film: Two Categories
- Ed Gein and the Transgender Serial Killer Myth
- Norman Bates's Portrayal in Psycho
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay examines how portrayals of transgender serial killers in Psycho (1960) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) reflect societal transphobia. It analyzes the films' "big reveals" and broader implications, considering academic responses and arguments regarding transphobic interpretations.
- The representation of transgender individuals in popular culture, specifically within the horror genre.
- The perpetuation of transphobic stereotypes through cinematic portrayals of transgender serial killers.
- The influence of real-life figures like Ed Gein on the creation of fictional transgender killers and the distortion of facts.
- The impact of societal anxieties and historical contexts (like the 1950s conformist era) on the construction of these characters.
- A comparative analysis of Norman Bates' portrayal in Psycho, highlighting the film's use of gendered imagery and symbolism.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section lays the groundwork for the essay, defining transphobia and providing context for the discussion. It introduces the central thesis – analyzing the extent to which the portrayals of Norman Bates and Buffalo Bill reflect transphobic societal values – and notes the prevalence of transgender killers in the horror genre. The section also highlights Judith Halberstam's argument regarding the evolution of the Hollywood monster and how it reflects societal anxieties.
Transphobia and Transgender Identities in Popular Culture: This chapter explores the limited and often negative representation of transgender individuals in popular culture, according to John Phillips, usually depicted comically or monstrously. The essay argues that this limited representation, particularly the prevalent negative portrayal, fosters a distorted perception of gender transgression. The chapter sets the stage for the close textual analysis of Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs.
Transvestites on Film: Two Categories: This section delves into K.E. Sullivan's categorization of transvestite portrayals in film: either as a means for a heterosexual character to gain advantages or as a signifier of a sexually deviant monster. It emphasizes the "big reveal" trope where the killer's transvestitism is used to heighten the shock value and reinforce negative stereotypes. The chapter highlights the lasting impact these portrayals have on audience perception.
Ed Gein and the Transgender Serial Killer Myth: This chapter examines the influence of real-life killer Ed Gein on fictional portrayals of transgender killers, specifically mentioning Norman Bates and Buffalo Bill. It critiques the common association between Gein and transgender identity, pointing out the lack of conclusive evidence suggesting Gein was transgender. The chapter argues that this association stems from societal biases and prejudices, rather than factual accuracy, reinforcing existing transphobic narratives in media and culture.
Norman Bates's Portrayal in Psycho: This section analyzes Norman Bates's portrayal in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. It focuses on the contrast between Norman's effeminate traits and Sam's masculinity, and the symbolic use of the meticulously preserved Mother's bedroom, emphasizing Norman's feminine characteristics. The "big reveal" of the stuffed corpse of Mrs. Bates and Norman's cross-dressing is discussed in detail, highlighting the movie's contribution to reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Keywords
Transphobia, transgender, serial killer, film representation, Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill, Ed Gein, gender transgression, stereotypes, societal anxieties, horror genre, cultural indoctrination.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Transphobic Portrayals in Film
What is the main focus of this essay?
The essay analyzes how the portrayals of transgender serial killers in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991) reflect societal transphobia. It examines the films' "big reveals" and broader implications, considering academic responses and arguments regarding transphobic interpretations.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the representation of transgender individuals in popular culture (especially horror), the perpetuation of transphobic stereotypes through cinematic portrayals, the influence of real-life figures like Ed Gein on fictional transgender killers, the impact of societal anxieties and historical contexts on character construction, and a comparative analysis of Norman Bates' portrayal in Psycho, focusing on gendered imagery and symbolism.
What is the essay's argument regarding the portrayal of Norman Bates?
The essay argues that Norman Bates' portrayal in Psycho, with his effeminate traits contrasted against Sam's masculinity and the symbolic use of his mother's bedroom, contributes to reinforcing negative stereotypes about transgender individuals. The "big reveal" of the stuffed corpse and Norman's cross-dressing are highlighted as key elements in this negative portrayal.
How does the essay address the figure of Ed Gein?
The essay examines the influence of real-life killer Ed Gein on fictional portrayals of transgender killers, particularly Norman Bates and Buffalo Bill. It critiques the common association between Gein and transgender identity, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting this connection and arguing that this association stems from societal biases and prejudices.
What is the significance of the "big reveal" trope in the films discussed?
The essay points out how the "big reveal" trope—where the killer's transvestitism is unveiled to heighten shock value—reinforces negative stereotypes and contributes to the lasting impact of these portrayals on audience perception. This relates to K.E. Sullivan's categorization of transvestite portrayals in film.
What is the essay's view on the representation of transgender individuals in popular culture?
The essay highlights the limited and often negative representation of transgender individuals in popular culture, often depicted comically or monstrously. It argues that this limited and negative representation fosters a distorted perception of gender transgression.
What other academic perspectives are referenced in the essay?
The essay incorporates the arguments of Judith Halberstam on the evolution of the Hollywood monster and its reflection of societal anxieties, as well as John Phillips' observations on the limited and negative representation of transgender individuals in popular culture.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Transphobia, transgender, serial killer, film representation, Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, Norman Bates, Buffalo Bill, Ed Gein, gender transgression, stereotypes, societal anxieties, horror genre, cultural indoctrination.
- Quote paper
- Leila Fielding (Author), 2012, To what extent can portrayals of Norman Bates in 'Psycho' and Buffalo Bill in 'The Silence of the Lambs' be interpreted as reflecting the values of a transphobic society?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/199824
