WHO’S THE LEADER OF THE CLUB THAT’S MADE FOR YOU AND ME? SHAPING MASCULINE IDENTITY IN STANLEY KUBRICK’S FULL METAL JACKET

Abstract

It is often easy to view human interaction as a product of societal structure rather than the other way around. Social dynamics, systems of governance, and structures of power are not manifestations of civilization but rather its core components. The ways in which these concepts are addressed in popular culture provide important platforms for discussion and criticism of the nature of social organization. In particular, the medium of film has shown time and time again to be fertile ground for illuminating various aspects of societal structure that might otherwise go unnoticed. This thesis takes the example of gender as it relates to constructions of power through an examination of its portrayal in director Stanley Kubrick’s film Full Metal Jacket (1987). In turn, this thesis aims to analyze Kubrick’s portrayal of the role of masculinity in constructing and maintaining hierarchies of power in a wartime setting in order to uncover its criticisms of masculine power dynamics in greater American society. This thesis intends to fill a gap between masculinities studies and film studies to demonstrate the important function of film as a means for contributing to a greater discussion of how Americans use gender to exert power and influence over others. By consulting various texts in the fields of masculinities studies and film studies as they relate to the construction of hegemonic masculinities, definitionsof what it means to be masculine, and their place in popular culture, this thesis will demonstrate that Full Metal Jacket provides both a criticism of current American societal structure, as well as methods through which Americans might find an alternative. In doing so, this thesis will show the important place of film as an impetus for large-scale societal change.