He Loves Me Femininity

In the film, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, femininity is continuously compared and contrasted to masculinity. Though the film can, and is, considered by some as a “weepie” that is directed towards a female audience, both sides of the gender binary are addressed. In many ways, the film reconfirms what society says a female should and should not be, deepening the stigma of the masculine as the dominant gender. Thus, I believe, in the film, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, the four characters, Angelique, Loic, Rachel and David are connected through relationships that reinforce the social construction of male dominance that go beyond the main idea of a “romance” film. In many ways, it is obvious that Angelique encompasses the role of a “frail,” feminine character. Despite the fact that her love for Loic is linked to psychosis, Angelic’s relationship with David implicitly shows her need for a dominant male presence. Often, when Angelic has a need or has gotten her self into a problematic situation, David is the first to answer. During the cocktail hour scene, David is shown as the “protector” of Angelic when he followed her and Loic up the staircase. Though Angelic seemed as if she knew she wanted to follow Loic, and did not act as though she was in need of protection, David still
In David and Angelic’s relationship, the feminine is painted as fragile and in need, while the masculine is viewed as the “savior” and protector. Additionally, Rachel and Angelic’s relationship changes once the strong, successful male enters the picture. Because of this, the feminine is seen as the less important and less successful counterpart to the masculine. In all, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not uses character’s relationships to reinforce the social construction that masculinity is more valued than