Desire for Transformation: The Actualization of Self-identity Through Change In the Films <em>Raw</em> and <em>Titane</em>

<p>The aim of this thesis is to illustrate a distinction between the films of The New French Extreme and Ducournau’s <em>Raw </em>and <em>Titane</em>, in their handling of gender and identity, primarily in regard to how these films handle transformation and self-identification. Ducournau explores themes of cannibalism, the linking of desire and violence, and transformation in order to disrupt hegemonic conceptions of sex and gender binaries. the disruptions to these binaries are initially perceived as monstrous, due to the implementation of genre conventions, they play on perception of the monstrous feminine, to reveal cultural perceptions that these transgressions are dangerous, destructive, and disruptive. Yet through primary identification with the protagonists, as well as the thematic significance of familial and platonic love/connection as resolution or conclusion to the horror, the films refute that these transgressions are monstrous. The cannibalism and transformation displayed in <em>Raw </em>and <em>Titane</em> could be taken as negative in isolation, however, this thesis considers how the films handle the relationships that their protagonists foster, and how these become realized not just despite the monstrous acts that they commit, but primarily through them. While the films of the New French Extreme emphasize the isolating effects of violent patriarchal capitalist societies in which they are set, <em>Raw </em>and <em>Titane</em> focus instead on their protagonists working towards self-realization in spite of their societies.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Film Studies

Year

2023

Author dc:creator

• Bradford, Owen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kelli Fuery
• Ian Barnard
• Henry Finch

• French Cinema
• Horror
• Film and Media Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/film_studies_theses/29

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:film_studies_theses-1028