Representation of women, intersectionality and cinema: an analysis of the Brazilian movie Aquarius

Abstract

ABSTRACT Considering intersectional feminism as a reference, the aim of this paper is to examine the discursive powers of the movie Aquarius for the representation of women. The emphasis is on Clara who is the protagonist of the plot. The study here seeks to understand how the cinematographic language represents Clara and how it interferes in the construction of this character. The methodology of this qualitative research consisted of both a bibliographic study and a movie analysis. The results show that the representation of the movie’s main character does not resort to stereotypes commonly associated with women, nor with elderly women. From the perspective of intersectional feminism, the main character defines her place of speech as an empowered woman who is committed to progressive ideals. Despite being represented this way, the protagonist also succumbs to issues of hierarchy and power in her relationship with her maid, Ladjane. The discriminations and oppressions that permeate the experiences of these women mainly have to do with issues of gender, social class, and race. This shows the permanence of historical problems which intertwine in the representation of women in the movie Aquarius.