Representation of women in Get Carter

Representation of women within the movie Get Carter

Edna

Brief character description

Edna is the landlady in the building Jack stays in, she is seen as a strong independent woman, this remains the case until Carter arrives in which case she reverts back to traditional gender roles.

Edna to me is a character who represents the social issues occurring around the creation of the motion picture Get Carter (Early 70’s). I believe this to be true as she solely represents the female liberation occurring at the time following the release of the contraceptive pill (1961). This was monumental as it meant for the first time ever women could take control of their sexual desires without fearing pregnancy. Due to this newfound freedom many women became better educated and was able to live full prosperous lives without financial support from a man. This is where Edna comes in, she is a very educated women following the liberation meaning she is capable of surviving and running her own business without a mans input. Her independence however could arguably be her downfall as she intimidated the traditional man in the 70’s, this is since she doesn’t need the man and she is strong, confident and even challenges the views of men she encounters within the movie.  The usual attitude when talking about women was a ‘should be seen but not heard’ one and she rebels against this archetype.

When Jack returns home Edna immediately attempts to stand up to him, Jack however completely disregards her and walks right past ignoring her in the process. Once this occurs she attempts to threaten him “I’ll call the police” this is a rather desperate attempt to gain control in her own establishment, however Jack simply says “No you wont”. Edna’s attempt to gain controlled had failed as the 70’s created a culture that allowed men to abuse and take advantage of women meaning they where not taking seriously, within the movie (by Carter) or in real life (long list of sex offences against women e.g. Jimmy Seville). Due to this society Edna is fearful of Carter and regresses to the considered to be traditional gender roles, she does this via making him food and drink on command as well as providing him with sexual intercourse. This importantly feeds into the visual pleasure and narrative cinema study released via Laura Mulvey (sometimes also referred to as the male gaze), This study says that women are only seen in relation to men and once there purpose has been served they are not seen again.  This is completely true of Edna, as after she resorted back to her traditional role and supplied Carter with sexual pleasure she is never seen again. The role of Edna when you last see her is to serve Carter, she is inside the home making food and supplying sexual pleasure.

Glenda

Anna

Brief Character Description

Anna is Jacks girlfriend; she is seldom on screen are hardly ever heard. She serves very little purpose to the narrative other than supplying sexual please to the audience.

            The character of Anna played via Britt Ekland