Lecture 4, Bend It Like Beckham: Tom O'Dea

'The lecture on the 9th October was focused on the text Bend it Like Beckham. We discussed how from a first viewing the film could be seen simply as a feel good movie but when deconstructed it has a serious subtext full of meaning and issues. These ranged from gender, race, identity, globalisation, consumerism and americanisation. It was decided that gender was one of the main issues running throughout the film at this point Richard brought up Laura Mulvey’s theory on the ‘male gaze’ where the audience see through a male perspective as the camera focuses sexually on the female body. The class discussed and came to the conclusion that the film acknowledged this theory but rejected it. This is clear through three male characters that attended Jess’s football match and only talked about the hot team captain, all three are seen in a negative light as one character Tony tells them to just see the girls as normal footballers. We then spoke about branding where Richard referenced an opening scene where Jess’s wall was full of purchased Manchester United merchandise such as football shirts and pictures. He then mentioned consumerism and stated that the film wants an audience and to make money and be popular that’s why it has such a feel good ending despite the serious issues. Next in the lecture we learnt about hybridity and post-colonialism and linked these terms to the text for example the main character Jess is a hybrid meaning a person of a mixed racial and cultural origin. Richard then explained that she is both British and Asian leading to the term ‘Brasian’. Homi K. Bhabha was highlighted in supporting this idea with his explanation of a ‘third space’ or middle way. We also touched upon Americanisation and how both of the lead characters want to reach America to play soccer. American football is built up as saving the individual and the perfect place on earth for the girls rather than stay in England where they have little opportunities.'