Troubled Waters – Sexual Politics in Cape Fear

Abstract

This chapter analyses Cape Fear’s sexual politics, and misogyny accusations directed at the film at time of release and since. Overview of the cultural debate around political correctness, and high-profile rape cases when Cape Fear was released. A review of female representation in Martin Scorsese’s cinema, and how this is used to comment upon male weakness or toxic machismo. A discussion of whether this relegation of a female point of view constitutes misogyny. Review of Scorsese’s Catholicism on his approach to female characters. A comparison review of female representation in The Silence of the Lambs, also released in 1991. How the depiction of sexual violence in the film avoids unintended titillation or identification with Robert De Niro’s antagonist, along with a review of the filmmaking practices used that would now be deemed unacceptable. Finally, how sexual politics have altered depictions of sexual violence since Cape Fear’s release.