Post 5: Jane Campion

There are not many female directors in the world of cinema, let alone films that deal with feminism. One female director whose films are in line largely with the ideals of feminism is New Zealand director Jane Campion. Campion is known for such films like "Sweetie" and "Portrait of a Lady". Campion's style of filmmaking focuses on misunderstood women and the way that stereotyped views of women distort the reality of who they are. Her films are a commentary on the false understanding that women, as well as men, are particularly gloomy and dull. In an interview with "Interview Magazine", she addressed the notion that, "male critics complained that the protagonist was so gloomy, that she never lightened up, and that they couldn't really enjoy the film" by saying, "I just feel sad that those men had that impression, because they must have a tragically dull vision of what it means to be female." Campion portrays the women in her films as "genuine" and "based in reality." 

Her film, "The Piano"released in 1993, shows the "realness" and "tragic history" of a woman and how she deals with her circumstances. The traits surrounding the protagonist are tragic but real, as opposed to the stereotypical portrayals of women. Although women are shown as being abused in many films, this film focuses on the character rather than the external femininity of the character. That is the aim of feminism. To not be judged but their outside characteristics and expected portrayals, but rather by their internal humanistic behaviors and values. Jane Campion succeeds thoroughly in making films that possess the power of bringing feminism to cinema.