Fish Tank: 2 Paragraphs -> Usefulness of ideological critical approach in understanding binary oppositions

Write two paragraphs in answer to the following:

How useful has an ideological critical approach been in understanding binary oppositions in the narratives of your chosen films?

One way  'Fish Tank' by Andrea Arnold is useful in depicting an ideological critical approach in order to understand binary oppositions in the narrative is through Arnold's examination of gender in this film. Arnold uses an ideological critical approach to explore the gender binary opposition between Mia and Connor as binary oppositions emerged through Connor's presence and the absence of Mia's real dad. The lack of a father figure in life makes Mia want to seek comfort from her first opportunity of a father-like figure in her life so this concept allows Arnold to present binary oppositions between the pair as Connor's own circumstances and secrets leads to the ambivalent role he plays in Mia's life and allows Arnold to convey a psychological intensity and insight into their relationship. However Arnold depicts a critical approach of the power that men hold over women in order to depict their binary opposition; this is especially prevalent in their final scene together when Connor attacks Mia after she kidnapped his child. This shows that the female characters use psychological tricks to get attention whereas the men use violence to convey their points. This scene links to Laura Mulvey's theory that visual representations of women are structured by patriarchal ideology as Arnold is showing the hardships that Mia faces in order to leave a world dominated by patriarchy. However this also allows Arnold to use an ideological critical approach as the audience is presented the story from Mia's perspective which challenges the status quo, identifies power dimensions throughout the course of the film and conveys hidden ideologies about how society is viewed; exemplified by Connor 'triumphing' over Mia in the conclusion.

Another way Arnold uses an ideological critical approach in understanding binary oppositions is through the relationship between Mia and her mother, Joanne. Arnold uses ideological critical reasoning to show how Joanne is confined by the limits of her lower class status and her gender as she is a single mum struggling to provide for the children she loves, so she seeks her need for happiness and love in other men which creates conflict with her role as a mother and leads to the neglection of her children. This creates a binary opposition between Mia and Joanne as Mia feels she lacks the guidance that she needs in her current situation whereas Joanne is significantly focused on making herself happy before caring about the needs of others close to her. Arnold's presentation of Joanne links to Mary Anne Doane's critical approach that 'womanliness is a mask which can be worn or removed' as Joanne removes herself from her role as a mother as she is unable to provide her children with a good life so she instead focuses on other aspects of her life that involve less pressure. However Arnold also depicts an ideological critical approach in order to understand their binary oppositions through Mia's perspective; in the scene where Joanne dances provocatively in her underwear, Mia gazes upon her which can be link to an Oedipal reading of the film. This critical approach depicts that the binary opposition is formed because Mia is desirous of her mother but she knows this would be socially taboo so instead she turns to a father figure for the love she needs.

In conclusion, 'Fish Tank' uses an ideological critical approach in order to understand binary oppositions successfully through Arnold being influenced by multiple female film theorists in her work and the actions and reasons behind the actions that the characters commit. Arnold is able to show this approach successful as Fish Tank is in an independent film which means she was not confined by the limits of a patriarchal system whilst filming Fish Tank. Arnold is also able to succeed in this approach as 'Fish Tank' follows a female protagonist and theme, as well as challenging representations and critiquing conventional attitudes.