In the movie Laura, the thing which draws all of the characters to Laura is her strength and independence. The article we read from Slant magazine discusses each of the men's individual attractions, however all of their views are unified by the importance of her role as an independent and strong woman who is talented, intelligent and sophisticated. We get views of her from other characters which show her as bold and happy and able to control things and get to the top of her field. So, while we think that she is dead, Larua has this aura of power about her that is felt deeply in the visuals of the film. The best example of this that I noticed was summed up really well in the "No place for a Woman: The Family in Film Noir", which is the portrait of her in her apartment which is so powerful and at the center of nearly all the shots while they are in the apartment. The portrait is just so huge and lifelike and displays this character that is being built up to be this incredible and perfect woman that everyone idolizes.
BUT, once she "comes back from the dead," we get to see that Laura isn't really quite so powerful and independent after all. This is when the fact that she is just this blank slate to which all the male characters affix their imaginings of the perfect woman comes to light. She is the opposite of a femme fatale. She wants to lose her current life and take up a domesticated life in a relationship with McPherson. Shots of her do not make her look strong, bold and in control, but rather as indesiscive and kinda mousy in my opinion.
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Wow, what an AWFUL title!!! Independent Lady?...? What the hell is that?! O well, I could change it I guess but eh, might as well leave it . Especially now that Ive gone through the trouble of posting this....
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily think that the men are attracted to her through the idea that she is an independent and strong woman. I think that Shelby wants her for her money, Lydecker wants her as a possession, and McPherson wants to save the day and be her hero. It is more the fact that she doesn't know what she wants in life and in that way is vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteI also don't think that she really wants to be in a "domesticated" life with McPherson, per se. I don;t think she knows what she wants. I have a feeling she would give it a try with him and then wind up not being happy, just like every other relationship she is in.
I think that your title is quite fitting. You bring up an interesting point about the portrayal of Laura. It seems to be all about the perspective of other people. How these men can make her an object of desire and strength is fascinating and rather true to how the male gaze objectified women. She is the most potent when she is "dead."
ReplyDeleteWhen she shows up for the first time, we are given an interesting contrast between the strong Laura portayed in the picture above her mantle and the sheepish unknowing one who shows up and finds out she's dead.
The title reminded me of maybe some retro version of an old motown song. But it's not bad. And yeah, you pretty much cover it, and very concisely too.
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