Men of the Troops: The Construction of Masculinity in the Contemporary Hollywood War Movie The Yellow Birds (2017)

Abstract

Various studies have noted a recent shift in the representation of masculinity in war movies, in which the image of the traditional, ideal masculine soldier has gradually been replaced by a more feminine image. One recent war film, The Yellow Birds (2017), challenges the notion of hegemonic military masculinity. This paper analyzes the movie's construction and representation of masculinity by examining its explicit and implicit elements, including symbols, cinematic imagery, character development, and dialog. It demonstrates that the movie contests hegemonic military masculinity by humanizing the main characters, criticizing the military institution, and presenting the characters as victims of the imposition of military masculinity upon them.