Is Weapons a Misogynist Movie? The “Hagsploitation” Accusations, Explained
The upcoming film, Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, is already generating significant buzz and controversy. While its specific plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, the anticipation surrounding Weapons is inextricably linked to the critical and commercial success of Cregger’s previous horror outing, Barbarian. However, this anticipation is now tempered by growing concerns about the potential for Weapons to perpetuate problematic tropes, particularly those related to what has been termed “hagsploitation” within the horror genre. The recent trend of depicting older women as grotesque, monstrous figures in horror films – often characterized by extreme visual degradation and association with malevolence – has sparked a crucial conversation about ageism, misogyny, and the ways in which the genre engages with societal anxieties surrounding aging and female power. This article aims to delve into the accusations surrounding hagsploitation, examining its manifestation in recent films, exploring the underlying issues it raises, and considering the potential implications for Weapons.
Understanding “Hagsploitation”: Defining a Contentious Trope
The term “hagsploitation,” while not universally embraced, serves as shorthand for a discernible pattern in contemporary horror. It describes films that utilize the image of older women, often physically disfigured or presented in a state of decay, as the primary source of terror and disgust. These characters are frequently depicted as inherently evil, driven by a desire for youth, power, or revenge, and their monstrousness is inextricably linked to their age and perceived decline.
Key Characteristics of Hagsploitation Films
- Emphasis on Physical Degradation: Hagsploitation films frequently feature graphic depictions of aging, emphasizing wrinkles, sagging skin, and other perceived signs of physical deterioration. This visual emphasis contributes to the demonization of aging and reinforces societal anxieties about the loss of youth and beauty.
- Association with Malevolence: Older female characters are often portrayed as actively malicious, their actions motivated by a desire to inflict harm or perpetuate evil. This association reinforces the stereotype of the “evil old woman,” a trope that has historically been used to marginalize and demonize older women.
- Lack of Nuance and Complexity: These characters are often reduced to caricatures, lacking the depth and complexity that would make them relatable or sympathetic. Their sole purpose within the narrative is to embody fear and disgust, perpetuating a narrow and dehumanizing representation of older women.
- Exploitation of Fear of Aging: At its core, hagsploitation exploits the audience’s own fear of aging and mortality. By presenting older women as grotesque monsters, these films tap into anxieties about physical decline and the perceived loss of control that comes with age.
Recent Examples: Tracing the Hagsploitation Trend
Several recent horror films have been cited as examples of hagsploitation, sparking debate and raising concerns about the genre’s treatment of older female characters. Examining these films can help us understand the specific ways in which this trope manifests and the potential impact it has on audiences.
The Substance: A Body Horror Extreme
Considered by many to be the quintessential modern example of hagsploitation, The Substance takes body horror to a new extreme to explore themes of aging, beauty standards, and the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. The film centers on Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress who resorts to an experimental substance that splits her into two beings: one young and beautiful, and the other reflecting her original, aging self. The depiction of Elisabeth’s aging body is unflinching and often grotesque, designed to elicit discomfort and disgust. The film’s exploration of female aging has been interpreted differently by critics, but many argue that it falls into the category of hagsploitation due to its exploitation of the fear of aging and its graphic portrayal of physical decline.
Barbarian: A Subverted Trope or a Continuation?
Interestingly, Zach Cregger’s Barbarian, the film preceding Weapons, has itself been discussed in the context of hagsploitation. The character of Mother, a seemingly deranged and monstrous woman living in the tunnels beneath the rental house, arguably embodies certain elements of the trope. Her physical appearance is deliberately unsettling, and her behavior is initially presented as purely malevolent. However, some argue that Barbarian subverts the trope by gradually revealing Mother’s backstory and motivations, ultimately portraying her as a victim of horrific abuse and societal neglect. Whether Barbarian ultimately reinforces or challenges the hagsploitation trope remains a subject of debate.
X and Pearl: Age as a Source of Power and Terror
Ti West’s X and its prequel Pearl offer another interesting case study. In X, the elderly Pearl is initially presented as a seemingly harmless old woman, but her repressed desires and growing desperation lead to acts of extreme violence. While Pearl’s age and physical limitations are factors in her character, the film also explores her past trauma and the societal pressures that have shaped her behavior. Pearl, on the other hand, focuses on Pearl’s youth and her descent into madness, providing context for her later actions. While X could be interpreted as featuring elements of hagsploitation, the nuanced portrayal of Pearl and the exploration of her complex motivations complicate such a categorization.
The Front Room: Psychological Horror and the Fear of Caretaking
While less overtly graphic than some other examples, The Front Room explores the anxieties surrounding aging and caretaking through a psychological horror lens. The film centers on a young couple who are forced to take in the husband’s ailing mother, whose presence gradually disrupts their lives and unleashes a series of unsettling events. The film plays on the fear of becoming a caregiver and the anxieties associated with the physical and mental decline of elderly parents. While it does not rely on grotesque imagery to the same extent as some other hagsploitation films, The Front Room still engages with the anxieties surrounding aging and the perceived burden of caring for older relatives.
Why is Hagsploitation Problematic? Examining the Underlying Issues
The critique of hagsploitation extends beyond simply pointing out the presence of older women as monsters in horror films. The issue lies in the way these characters are depicted and the underlying messages these depictions convey.
Reinforcing Ageism and Misogyny
At its core, hagsploitation reinforces harmful stereotypes about older women, perpetuating the idea that they are inherently undesirable, unattractive, and even dangerous. By equating aging with monstrousness, these films contribute to a culture that devalues and marginalizes older women. Furthermore, the focus on physical decay and the association of aging with malevolence often intersect with misogynistic tropes, reinforcing the idea that a woman’s worth is primarily determined by her youth and beauty.
Dehumanizing Older Women
The lack of nuance and complexity in hagsploitation characters contributes to their dehumanization. They are often reduced to caricatures, stripped of their individuality and reduced to embodiments of fear and disgust. This dehumanization makes it easier to dismiss their experiences and perspectives, perpetuating a culture of ageism and marginalization.
Ignoring the Realities of Aging
Hagsploitation often presents a distorted and unrealistic view of aging. It focuses on the most extreme and negative aspects of physical decline, ignoring the resilience, wisdom, and experiences that come with age. This distorted portrayal can contribute to anxiety and fear surrounding aging, particularly among women who are already facing societal pressures to maintain a youthful appearance.
Exploiting Societal Anxieties
Hagsploitation films often tap into deep-seated societal anxieties about aging, death, and the loss of control. By presenting older women as monsters, these films provide a convenient outlet for these anxieties, allowing audiences to project their fears onto a marginalized group. However, this exploitation can also reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to a culture of ageism and fear.
The Implications for Weapons: Navigating the Hagsploitation Minefield
Given the ongoing debate surrounding hagsploitation and the scrutiny that Barbarian faced in this regard, the upcoming release of Weapons raises significant questions about how the film will engage with these issues. Zach Cregger has the opportunity to learn from the criticisms leveled against Barbarian and to create a film that challenges, rather than reinforces, harmful stereotypes about older women.
Avoiding Stereotypical Portrayals
One of the most crucial steps Cregger can take is to avoid relying on stereotypical portrayals of older women. This means avoiding the use of grotesque imagery solely for shock value and developing characters with depth, complexity, and agency. If Weapons features an older female character, it is essential that she be portrayed as a multifaceted individual with her own motivations, desires, and fears, rather than simply as a monstrous figure to be feared and reviled.
Subverting Expectations and Challenging Tropes
Cregger could also choose to actively subvert the hagsploitation trope by presenting an older female character who defies expectations. This could involve portraying her as a hero, a survivor, or simply as a complex and nuanced individual who is not defined by her age or physical appearance. By challenging the audience’s preconceived notions about older women, Weapons could contribute to a more nuanced and respectful representation of aging in horror.
Exploring the Societal Issues at Play
Finally, Weapons could use the horror genre to explore the societal issues that contribute to ageism and misogyny. This could involve examining the pressures faced by women to maintain a youthful appearance, the lack of support for elderly individuals, or the cultural devaluation of older women. By tackling these issues head-on, Weapons could spark a meaningful conversation about ageism and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Ultimately, the success of Weapons will depend not only on its ability to deliver scares and thrills but also on its ability to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding hagsploitation. By approaching the topic with thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and a willingness to challenge harmful stereotypes, Zach Cregger has the opportunity to create a film that is both entertaining and socially responsible. The key is to remember that horror, at its best, can be a powerful tool for exploring our deepest fears and anxieties, but it must be wielded with care and responsibility to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a culture of prejudice.