Depictions of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of Thriller and Drama Films over the last Twenty Years

Abstract

Studies show that images of gender and sexuality, specifically hegemonic masculinity at an early age (Signorielli 2009, Connell 2001). Few studies have examined how thriller and drama genres display images of violence, however, few found that images of violence are exaggerated in these films (Constanza del Rio Alvaro 2004). The purpose of this research is to examine images, scenes, and discourses of intimate partner violence. Using a two-step qualitative method, this study examined five thriller and drama films produced over the last twenty years. A content analysis of the films' images, scenes and discourses of hegemonic masculinity in intimate partner violence (IPV) is reflected in thriller and drama films. The findings of this study identified violent words and language, demeanors and social interactions, and intimacy and affection reflect acts of male dominance and control over women. Films from late 1990s reflected intimate relationship with more imagery of violence compared to more recently published films. Although, images of agency in femininity has changed over time with women having more agency in intimate partner relationship with more imagery of violence compared to more recently published films. Although, images of agency in femininity has changed over time with women having more agency in intimate partner relationship, thriller and drama films continue to depict women experiencing some form of intimate partner violence. In conclusion, images and discourses in thriller and drama films reflected intimate partner violence and reinforced images consistent with reinforcing hegemonic masculinity.