Feminism in Vera Chytilovs Daisies: Montage, Collage, and Symbol

Abstract

Vera Chytilovs Daisies offers a particular case to view how montage, collage, and symbolism could contribute to feminist cinema. Daisies was subject to censorship when it was first released for its rebellious story which strongly challenged the social norms of that time. Although it has been widely regarded as a surreal exploration of nihilism, it explores the deconstruction and reconstruction of female identity. This study adopts a feminist theory to investigate how this movie communicates its feminist ideals using a defamiliarized visual language system. Specifically, the study analyzes certain scenes in the movie with a particular focus on how Daisies challenges conventional gender roles and creates a feminism narrative. It figures out that montage expands the inner space of these characters; collage allows for the fragmentation of their identities; symbolism such as apple trees, apples, and other motifs carry additional thematic possibilities of temptation, sin, and female resistance. These stylistic choices and visual strategies present a fresh female perspective, encouraging the audience to question social norms and embrace unfiltered viewpoints. By upending conventionally male-centric ideas, the movies defamiliarized visual language reinforces feminist messages and helps us comprehend its complex artistic and thematic issues.