Phallic Symbols
Phallic symbols are used in film to show power. This could be through both penetration and castration
Knife;
When a knife is used as a phallic symbol, the penetration of flesh shows the power. If a male were to be slashes by the blade, it would just about be seen as 'OK.' However, if he were to be stabbed, this would mean that his power has been taken as he has been penetrated by a phallic object. An example of this would be in Casino Royale, when Bond gets stabbed by Vesper. By doing this, she takes away his male power and emasculates him, therefore to restore equilibrium she must be punished. Vesper is later killed, restoring Bond's power.
Blunt object (i.e. Baseball bat/Fist);
A baseball bat can be used to show a mans strength, as he must withstand the pain and be tough enough to cope with the trauma. It shows that the victim is somehow similar to an aspirational male role model.
Gun;
A gun is seen as a very common phallic symbol, as they are often touched, polished and fondled, normally being kept in a mans trousers and placed near to his penis. Often in film they are fetishized, with lingering close ups on the gun to signify a males power.
When a knife is used as a phallic symbol, the penetration of flesh shows the power. If a male were to be slashes by the blade, it would just about be seen as 'OK.' However, if he were to be stabbed, this would mean that his power has been taken as he has been penetrated by a phallic object. An example of this would be in Casino Royale, when Bond gets stabbed by Vesper. By doing this, she takes away his male power and emasculates him, therefore to restore equilibrium she must be punished. Vesper is later killed, restoring Bond's power.
Blunt object (i.e. Baseball bat/Fist);
A baseball bat can be used to show a mans strength, as he must withstand the pain and be tough enough to cope with the trauma. It shows that the victim is somehow similar to an aspirational male role model.
Gun;
A gun is seen as a very common phallic symbol, as they are often touched, polished and fondled, normally being kept in a mans trousers and placed near to his penis. Often in film they are fetishized, with lingering close ups on the gun to signify a males power.