The Cowboy Scientist Saves the Planet: Hegemonic Masculinity in Cli-Fi Films

Abstract

This paper argues that climate fiction (cli-fi) films constitute a contemporary stage for the enactment of heroic masculinity. In cli-fi films, the changing climate can be understood as a new frontier in which survival depends on traditional masculine traits of strength and bravery combined with more modern knowledge of science and nature. We identify the “Cowboy Scientist” as a heroic archetype in cli-fi films that embodies both traditional and technical attributes in an updated version of hegemonic masculinity. We examine depictions of heroic masculinity in two high-grossing cli-fi films with wide target audiences in the global film market: the US-made The Day After Tomorrow (2004) and the Australian-made Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Through a critical analysis of gender and the environment in these films, we track the Cowboy Scientist as he battles human and environmental enemies, cleverly combines primal intuitions with scientific expertise, and saves the helpless and vulnerable through a series of heroic feats. Scholars have long recognized popular culture as an important area of study because it both reflects and shapes social norms and values. Our goal in this discussion of heroic masculinity in pop culture cli-fi representations is to contribute to ongoing conversations about the relationship between gender and climate change (seen most clearly in The Day After Tomorrow) and the resilience of hegemonic masculinity to triumph even in the presence of defiant femininity (as shown in Mad Max: Fury Road).

Keywords

• Hegemonic masculinity
• cli-fi
• gender
• climate change

Gezegeni Kurtaran Kovboy Biliminsanı: İklimkurgu Filmlerinde Hegemonik Erkeklik

Abstract

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