In the films Pan's Labyrinth and La Haine, representation is a prominent aspect within MACRO. In Pan's Labyrinth we see representation through gender and psycho-analysis. This definitely emphasises that the film is national cinema. Similarly, in La Haine gender is also prominently represented, as well as ethnicity and class. This, once again, portrays that the film is national cinema.
Even at first glance of the film Pan's Labyrinth, we understand that it tackles fascism and therefore male control and oppression over women. This too, is existing in La Haine. One way in which Pan's Labyrinth conveys it's messages and values through representation is through psycho-analysis, from this, the film challenges the dominant ideologies of it's country.
Pan's Labyrinth uses symbolism of the womb throughout the course of the film. In my opinion, this is to represent the menstrual cycle. The film could be using this symbolism to portray the impact that war has upon a young girl. Ofelia is young mentally and physically, however, the danger and violence that she experiences first hand of the war, makes Ofelia mature both physically and mentally. I believe that the symbolism of the menstrual cycle and the womb, symbolises Ofelia's damage and early maturity due to the war physically stealing her childhood. This could be seen as an aspect of national cinema as it challenges the dominant views of Spain during this period. Fascism oppresses women and therefore the fact that Ofelia is being forced to mature early, is not overlooked in this film, reinforces the idea of national cinema.
We see many aspects of the menstrual cycle throughout the film that hint to this. The first of which is the moon-shaped birthmark on Ofelia's shoulder. The birthmark may have been used to symbolise the menstrual cycle, as spiritually it controls the female cycle. This then links to the symbolism of 3. Throughout the film, what occurs, comes in three. For example, the three tasks that Ofelia must complete, the three, the three stones for the toad, the three doors that Ofelia must choose to unlock in the Pale Man's lair and the three people within Ofelia's blood-related family. Linking back to my last point, the symbolism of three could be a representation of spirituality Here, the symbolism of three represented the sun, the moon and mars. This could link to the menstrual cycle and the idea of maturing once again due to the moon, which controls the menstrual cycle. 'Mars' could also refer to a Greek meaning, being the God of War. These two, in combination with each other could link to the idea of Ofelia being mentally and physically forced to mature (represented through the moon) due to the effects of war (represented through mars). However, arguably, the symbolism of three within Pan's Labyrinth could also be a biblical reference. This would therefore link to the film being national cinema as through this perspective, it challenges the dominant ideas of this country and time. Through a religious reference, the symbolism of three could refer to the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. By doing this, Del Toro is challenging the dominant ideas of this time and reinforcing national cinema; the Catholic church was involved in the fascist movement.
Similarly, in La Haine, symbolism of three is also prominent. We see this symbolism of three through the French motto of Liberty, equality, fraternity and the three protagonists that the narrative follows. La Haine's reasons for this representation may be somewhat contrasting to Pan's Labyrinth. I believe that the director of La Haine has used the symbolism of three to convey that these ethnic minorities are trapped in a vicious circle. By using three as a point of symbolism, it could furthermore symbolise the vicious cycle, therefore, being no route of escape for the boys.
Continuing on, the French motto Liberty, equality, fraternity contributes to the film becoming national cinema. La Haine coherently subverts this motto by shedding light on the fact that within these ethnic minorities the motto does not exist. Therefore, this subversion challenges the typical views of France and results in the film becoming national cinema.
Continuing with Pan's Labyrinth, the representation of religion grows stronger as the film develops. Not only could we view the symbolism of three through a religious perspective, and that Del Toro is challenging the role of the Church within fascism. In Ofelia's second task, we see her eating a grape that she has been told not to touch or eat. This could be a direct reference to the bible, as Eve ate the apple that she had been forbidden from. As a result of this, Eve gets her period. This is heavily represented in Pan's Labyrinth. The Church was heavily involved with fascism in Spain, therefore, Pan's Labyrinth subverts the dominant ideologies fo Fascist Spain at this time, making the film national cinema.
La Haine and Pan's Labyrinth are both similar through their representation of women and due to these factors, the films become a part of national cinema.
La Haine does not incorporate any female protagonists, or any female character with any importance for that matter. The fact that La Haine is filmed in a world dominated by men, and is therefore dominated by men through it's screenplay and cast, portrays the context and reality of France. It portrays to the audience that women had no say and contribution. This is portrayed through the film, as non of the female characters have a say or contribution to driving and developing the narrative. The only female characters that we see in the film are stereotyped and viewed as merely a sex object. This therefore conveys their position in French society. Although the narrative physically overlooks the importance of women, because of this, the audience become aware of French society ignoring and overlooking women's positioning in society. Therefore due to this factor, the film once again, challenges the dominant ideologies of France and furthermore incorporates national cinema.
This is similar in Pan's Labyrinth. Although the protagonist is female, because of this, we see, first had the oppression and lack of choice and say that she has under the fascist government and male power and control. A significant character that represents women's position in society in Spain, is Ofelia's mother, Carmen. Once Carmen is met with Vidal, we see the male control and fascist take over and remove her from her power and control. We see Vidal instructing Carmen to sit in the wheelchair, even though she can stand capably. Although Carmen does not want to, she is forced to do so and from here on, she loses all say and control over her position. This is an example of how the film conforms to national cinema. During this time, women would have been overlooked, therefore to simple acknowledge this, challenges the typical ideologies of this time,, a convention of national cinema.
