Essay

Read: “‘whose pussy is this’: a feminist comment (Talking Back, Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black, bell hooks)–PDF –“Spike Lee Makes His Movie” (New York Times)–PDF attached here –“Drop Dead Clothes Make the Working Woman” (New York Times) NYT 1980s Working Woman Costumes 2-26-1989.pdf For BROADCAST NEWS: –“James Brooks Launches a Star” (New York Times)–PDF attached here –“Behind Five Top Films, Five Obsessions” (New York Times)–PDF attached here Screen: She’d Gotta Have It (1986–the movie not the Netflix series)–only available on Netflix If you don’t have access to Netflix watch Broadcast News (1987)—-widely available on main streaming sites  Question (initial response 250-300 words): Respond to bell hooks’ assertion that SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT is a “patriarchal tale.” In your answer, explain your interpretation of what hooks means. I am not expecting your to agree or disagree with hooks; she gives us a very strong opinion in which to start from. In considering hooks’ perspective, think about how you would describe Nola’s dilemmas between her personal and professional lives? How does the film’s narrative overlap the various character relationships/dynamics with one another. To you, what are the main points of conflict that cause the characters to come together and break apart? In your answer, also think about filmmaker Spike Lee’s visual style: how does he uses [camera/editing/music/set design] to establish his characters? ______________________ Broadcast News Question: (I don’t like to assign a film that is only available for paid rental on one platform, but this was the case with She’s Gotta Have It. If you are unable to access Netflix, Broadcast News is widely available and falls under a similar genre as t SGTHI.) In Broadcast News, the film’s female protagonist is surrounded by men who are making certain offers–or demands, depending on your interpretation–to/of her. How would you describe Jane’s dilemmas between her personal and professional lives? In your answer think about how the film’s narrative overlaps the various character relationships/dynamics with one another. To you, what are the main points of conflict that cause the characters to come together and break apart?sa