Yesterday, Warner Brothers revealed the image of Wonder Woman, portrayed by Gal Gadot in the movie Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, which is set for a 2016 release.They clearly have found their Gal! Having grown up in the
1970s when the Wonder Woman television series starring Lynda Carter ran on
television, I was curious to see how the 21st century version of this 20th
century heroine would be portrayed.
The version is still sexy but with the warrior edge much
more prominent, and as one conservative poster lamented, a downplayed presence
of Americana in her accoutrement. The poster commented that there was more of a Xena feel to this Wonder Woman. He might be right. Xena represented many of the values of the 1990s--a more independent, battle-worthy form of the conception of the woman in battle. We have seen a shift in the cultural landscape and this is a good thing.
I think in many ways that Wonder Woman represents different images and values to different people. The National Geographic magazine that is out in stands now features prominent women in US history and it spends time on Sacagawea and how since there was no real portrait done during her lifetime, that the "authentic" image of his famous Native American Indian woman has been articulated and interpreted by various artists in different ways.
I know Gal Gadot will bring a refresh and new perspective and interpretation to this famous figure of American mythology (it is interesting to note that since she was not born in the US--but in fact on Paradise Island--it is ironic that she has been incorporated as a figure of American values). How will the new version jib with books such as Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth? We will have to see.
I am sure that the new Wonder Woman will inspire much debate and that is not a bad thing! I like the fact that she is Israeli. Given what we have seen over the last couple of weeks in the Gaza Strip it is important to realize that Israel can produce wonderfully talented and good people.
No comments:
Post a Comment