The article I reviewed is definitely not intended for the common reader, let alone anyone outside the realm of professional psychology or sociology. I consider myself to have a decent vocabulary, yet cannot seem to connect with text that includes phrases such as, “I contend that this symbolic trumpeting of pain offers dialectical and diacritical opportunities”, “heterodox fragmentation”, and “coexisting ideological interpellation and rebellion”. I contend that the author used too many fancy words when fewer, simpler words would have conveyed the message just as well. I realize that I am not the intended audience for such material, but feel alienated by the use of language. I do get that the idea behind the article is to examine Robert De Niro’s roles in films and how those roles perpetuate the masculine norms set forth by society.
The article explores Robert De Niro’s acting methods and his history of taking on roles that seem to scream macho. He has starred in some very violent and visceral movies such as, The Godfather, Goodfellas, Ronin, Heat, The Deer Hunter, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, and Raging Bull, to name a few. According to Schwartz (2008), “the enduring public perception of De Niro remains one of the “top dog” male in a dog-eats-dog world, the extreme individualist who would excel under cultural Darwinian models of survival.” That is to say that De Niro’s appeal lies in the fact that other men want to be him. The power he displays on screen is intoxicating, especially to young men with high levels of testosterone who wish they had some of the power and freedom he exhibits in film.
In Taxi Driver, De Niro plays Travis Bickle, an alienated cab driver who plays “God’s lonely man” (Schwartz, 2008). He is part violent, part vulnerable in the film and that is ultimately what we glean from De Niro. Schwartz describes this as “a hard exterior, composed of fragmented gender norms, while reminding viewers that this identity is in part an act.” She further examines Travis Bickle’s plight as she delves into the meaning behind the tagline, “You talkin’ to me?” According to Sparks (1996), “exaggerated masculine icons in dramas, crime narratives…often have a “number” as one might have in a musical, a moment that defines the protagonist’s image…” I have personally reenacted De Niro’s scene in many instances; whether it’s answering a friend’s smartass comment or messing with my wife, I have used Travis Bickle’s phrase numerous times. In fact, De Niro’s realistic depiction of Travis further solidified that quote as a memorable movie line.
The article explores many of De Niro’s roles in a very logical manner, yet the language was definitely a stumbling block for me. I followed the general meaning of the article, and concur that De Niro represents the exaggeration of masculine norms set forth by our society.
References
Schwartz, G. (2008). “You talkin’ to me?”: De Niro’s interrogative fidelity and subversion of masculine norms. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(3), 443-464.
Sparks, R. (1996). Masculinity and heroism in the Hollywood ‘blockbuster’: the culture industry and contemporary images of crime and law enforcement. British Journal of Criminology, 36(3), 348-361.
Great analysis! I love Robert De Niro and his movies. I agree about the masculin norms because Robert De Niro as a person is the complete opposite of most of the characters that he plays. You are correct in that he plays roles that men want to identify with. My husband uses some of the same phrases you mentioned as well.
ReplyDeleteGood analysis. I am not a huge Robert De Niro fan, but I have seen some of his movies. I totally agree with your thoughts on the language of the articles. My article was very hard to understand in some spots and it is nice that I am not the only one. Great summary. I definitely got the idea of the article without all the fancy words.
ReplyDeleteRobert DeNiro is a man's man. When you want a tough, no nonsense character played, he's your man. I love the roles that depict him as a harda**. In reality though, he's just another guy getting old. This is what makes movies, movies. The character that noone in real life can be, being portrayed on the big screen. I liked the article but yes the language was a huge barrier. Good Analysis.
ReplyDeleteI like Robert DeNiro, but he does play the bad guy. I loved the movie where he plays the Devil and he is Keanu Reeves' dad. I thought he was at his best/worst in that movie. He made that character.
ReplyDeleteI think Robert DeNiro is also a woman's man. He is one of my most favorite. I must say although when I first started reading your post, I thought do I want to continue, but then when I saw DeNiro's name I decided to read on. He is such a versatile actor and the twinkle in his eye, even when he is being a bad guy, is so cool. Nice job, Justin!
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