Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Lift the Multiple Veils on Genders Roles in Blue Velvet

Shuxuan ZhouTunghai University, No.1727, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung 40704, Taiwan R.O.C.*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This essay aims to illustrate how gender performativity exhibits gender roles in David Lynch’s movie Blue Velvet. This essay brings about the collapse of the stereotyped traditional binary opposition of gender roles. Gender roles rely on the performance of people. However, people’s performances are restricted by society, which has various possibilities. Based on Performative Acts and Gender Constitution (1988) by Judith Butler, this paper analyzes four protagonists’ various gender performances in Blue Velvet. By going deeper into the psychoanalysis of protagonists and analyzing their behavior choices, this essay argues that Lynch intends to inform his viewers that there is no fixed gender role even in one single person. Through exhibiting the diversity of gender roles, various social environments are presented. David Lynch believes that once people’s gender roles become peaceful, the social environment can also exhibit a peaceful and mild image. This finding contributes to the subversion of gender roles in Blue Velvet.

Keywords: Blue Velvet; David Lynch; Judith Butler; Gender performances; Gender roles
Published: February 28, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2/20220594
Volume: CHR Vol.2
pp. 505-513
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