A Dangerous Method: Provocative Performances of Perversion

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Published conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter examines the implications of performing sexual perversion, focusing on Kevin Bacon's performance of a convicted child molester in Nicole Kassell's The Woodsman (2004) and Keira Knightley's performance of sexual hysteria in David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method (2011). Both performances overwhelm their narratives in terms of impact, commanding attention beyond the film diegesis. Bacon and Knightley's performances elicited more attention from reviewers than the films in which they appeared. In this chapter, I explore how these performance not only engage with and challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes, but they also challenge the boundaries and norms of sexual identity and the performing body.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTainted Love
Subtitle of host publicationScreening Sexual Perversion
EditorsDarren Kerr, Donna Peberdy
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherI.B.Tauris
Pages83-103
Number of pages20
ISBN (Print)9781780761961
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2017

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