Abstract
Imagery involving nature is abundant in the film Ex Machina. In many ways, this can be seen in contrast with images of civilization and technological progress. The movie also deals with matters pertaining to gender in the relationships among the three main characters: Caleb, Nathan, and Ava. This study explores the interplay of these features of the film by approaching it through an ecofeminist lens. It points out some of the gender tropes that appear in the movie along with how they relate to cultural depictions of nature in relation to civilization and man-made technologies. Particular attention is given to concepts from psychology like hostile sexism and benevolent sexism as they apply to the film’s characters as well. In many respects, the cultural association of nature with the feminine and civilization with the masculine can be observed in the film. In addition, the masculinity that Nathan embodies in the movie can be linked to hostile sexism and the domination of both women and nature. On the other hand, Caleb could be interpreted as representing a form of benevolent sexism in the movie, while Ava’s actions represent resistance to subservience and domination at the hands of either man. By viewing the movie from an ecofeminist perspective, one might see this as also representing acts of resistance by the non-human world to domination by humanity.
Presenters
Michael De MoranProfessor, Humanities, Florida SouthWestern State College, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Environmental Humanities, Film Studies, Feminism, Ecofeminism, Gender
