The Representation of Violence to Women: Hitchcock's "Frenzy"

Below is an annotated source that will be cited in a paper I am writing. The paper will analyze the debate among scholars regarding whether or not Alfred Hitchcock's films are misogynist:

Thomas Allen, Jeanne. "The Representation of Violence to Women: Hitchcock's "Frenzy"" Film Quarterly 38.3 (1985): 30-38. JSTOR. Web. 3 Sept. 2014.

In his article, Allen provides an in-depth analysis of the troubling misogynistic views present in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy (1972). In particular, Allen breaks down the film's infamous rape scene in order to illustrate how the film exploits the female body, eroticizes rape, and subtly suggests that the victim is deserving of her attack. Thus, Allen's shot-by-shot analysis suggests that the film offers voyeuristic pleasure at sexual violence against women. Allen also demonstrates how, beyond physical violence towards women, the characterization of Hitchcock's female characters as overbearing and hostile only reinforces the troubling schoolboy fear of female assertiveness and strength. Finally, Allen condemns Hitchcock's use of black humor throughout Frenzy,as Hitchcock's choice to make light of women who have been abused and defiled only further degrades the female body and encourages violence against women. 

Allen wisely uses his extensive filmmaking knowledge to illustrate his points. He clearly and eloquently explains how Hitchcock's camera work, lighting, and mise-en-scene all contribute to the objectification of women and force the spectator to identify with the male patriarchy. Also, Allen's thorough research on critics' and the public's reception of Frenzy at the time of its release only further enhances this detailed article by explaining the film's overwhelming popularity and subsequent critical backlash. Allen's apt comparisons to other Hitchcock films such as Psycho (1960) and Vertigo (1958) also elevate his article by illustrating larger patterns of misogyny evident in Hitchcock's oeuvre.

This article would serve as a wonderful resource to anyone writing a paper analyzing violence against women in film, exploitation cinema, or Hitchcock's body of work.