Strange Days (1995)
Jane Gainesâs essay âWhite Privilege and Looking Relations: Race and Gender in Feminist Film Theoryâ examined the erasure of black women in cinema by white male filmmakers. To fully understand this point, Gaines relies on the history of this topic. Specifically, she states, âIf, as feminists have argued, womenâs sexuality evokes an unconscious terror in men, then black womenâs sexuality represents a special threat to white patriarchy; the possibility of its eruption stands for the aspirations of the black race as a wholeâ (p. 303). In the film, Strange Days (1995),there is a strong representation of black female empowerment shown in the character of Mace. Initially playing the role of a bodyguard, Mace transforms into a powerful action hero who is constantly saving Lenny from dire situations. In one particular scene, Mace is shown cocking a gun in her holster between her thighs, held under her little black dress. The purpose of this shot is to give Mace a masculine role while still keeping her femininity intact. Tying back to Gainesâs argument, the role of a black female in this film is not to be overlooked, but rather, shown as an independent, kick-ass character. Between the love that Mace has for Lenny and her desire to keep him safe, she is represented in all different lights. Â
I agree with you that Mace is a strong and powerful individual without the help or aid of Lenny. Although the film had to throw a love interest in between the two, they worked together to solve the murder of their friend. These several different lights that are portrayed accurately.
