No defence for rape scenes

Angelique Chrisafis's defence of the rape scene in Gaspar Noe's Irreversible (Why should we be regularly exposed to graphic scenes of murder, but be spared rape?, G2, October 23) hinges on the false notion that its "vivid portrayal of the brutality of rape ... would not turn an audience on", and that it dispels the male myth that "the woman might secretly enjoy it".

This argument suggests that the realistic portrayal of rape might help prevent it. But who takes seriously the idea that men really believe women "enjoy it"? This might be used after the event as a legitimation, but the reality is that rape is a deliberate and conscious act of violence and degradation. So no amount of realistic portrayal is going to help prevent it, it will simply provide more graphic images with which to insinuate rape as a misogynist display of power into a deeply patriarchal culture.

The idea that a portrayal of rape which does not idealise it necessarily therefore undermines it is misconceived. Film and media don't merely report on social reality but actively help to produce it. Thus films such as Noe's contribute towards the reproduction of a cultural milieu in which the reality of rape becomes conceivable.
Richie Nimmo
Manchester

The average man may well be revolted by the anal rape/murder scene in Irreversible, but there are plenty of fans of violent porn for whom Christmas has no doubt come early.

The film can't tell me anything I don't already know about the dangers of dark subways late at night, but thanks to the article, I now know in all-too-vivid detail what to expect. If the film-makers are so worried about our seeing too much bog-standard - as opposed to sexual - violence, I suggest they come out against the former rather than cynically cranking up the yuk factor. What next? Graphic depictions of child rape in mainstream cinema?
Liz Dawson
London

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