CHFA | Global Languages Senior Colloquium
Old Spain Vs. New Spain: Analysis of the Opposing Roles of the Evil Encarna and Her Stepdaughter, Carmencita, in the 2012 Silent Film, Blancanieves
Abstract/Description
The violence and dangers of bullfighting have been widely debated throughout the country of Spain. The traditional view of Spanish bullfighting maintains that those aspects are a special part of the bullfighting culture and national identity, while the opposing side demands to move away from those old traditions in order to eliminate the violence against those involved (matadors and bulls). The movie, Blancanieves, strongly advocates for this fundamental change in Spanish culture. Pablo Berger, the director of Blancanieves (a reimagination of the Grimm’s fairy tale Snow White), portrays the violence and dangers of traditional bullfighting through the attitude of the brutal stepmother, Encarna. Carmencita, the stepdaughter’s character, is used to emphasize that violence is unacceptable, according to the film. They both represent the ongoing debate in Spain of whether or not violence should be permitted in bullfighting. I am using peer-read academic articles along with the movie itself as my sources for this analysis. Blancanieves criticizes bullfighting by associating its violence and cruelty with the cultural values of the stepmother, Encarna. The opposing view is portrayed through Carmencita to clarify that violence is unacceptable. In conclusion, this analysis, by examining the stepmother's attitude as a traditionalist point of view, sheds light on the ongoing debate for change between the old and new Spain.
Old Spain Vs. New Spain: Analysis of the Opposing Roles of the Evil Encarna and Her Stepdaughter, Carmencita, in the 2012 Silent Film, Blancanieves
The violence and dangers of bullfighting have been widely debated throughout the country of Spain. The traditional view of Spanish bullfighting maintains that those aspects are a special part of the bullfighting culture and national identity, while the opposing side demands to move away from those old traditions in order to eliminate the violence against those involved (matadors and bulls). The movie, Blancanieves, strongly advocates for this fundamental change in Spanish culture. Pablo Berger, the director of Blancanieves (a reimagination of the Grimm’s fairy tale Snow White), portrays the violence and dangers of traditional bullfighting through the attitude of the brutal stepmother, Encarna. Carmencita, the stepdaughter’s character, is used to emphasize that violence is unacceptable, according to the film. They both represent the ongoing debate in Spain of whether or not violence should be permitted in bullfighting. I am using peer-read academic articles along with the movie itself as my sources for this analysis. Blancanieves criticizes bullfighting by associating its violence and cruelty with the cultural values of the stepmother, Encarna. The opposing view is portrayed through Carmencita to clarify that violence is unacceptable. In conclusion, this analysis, by examining the stepmother's attitude as a traditionalist point of view, sheds light on the ongoing debate for change between the old and new Spain.