Disrupting the Heteropatriarchy in Temblores (Bustamante, 2019) and Clara Sola (Álvarez Mesén, 2021)

Harvey-Kattou, L. 2025. Forthcoming. Disrupting the Heteropatriarchy in Temblores (Bustamante, 2019) and Clara Sola (Álvarez Mesén, 2021). Bulletin of Spanish Visual Studies.

TitleDisrupting the Heteropatriarchy in Temblores (Bustamante, 2019) and Clara Sola (Álvarez Mesén, 2021)
TypeJournal article
AuthorsHarvey-Kattou, L.
Abstract

This article examines three iterations of rebellion in recent Central American films Temblores (Bustamante, 2019) and Clara Sola (Álvarez Mesén, 2021), arguing that each one works to subvert heteropatriarchal norms and to align the spectator with the protagonist. Starting with the participatory gaze, it analyses how the viewer accesses the visuals of the film while also exploring the use of narrative techniques that pit good against evil. It moves on to consider the creation of new worlds by the protagonists who invite the spectator into the queer time and space of Pablo’s world in Temblores and a pre-colonial, natural world in Clara Sola. Finally, by employing bell hooks's concept of the oppositionality, the article demonstrates how the protagonists of these films rebel against heteropatriarchal norms, thereby crafting powerful counternarratives.

KeywordsCentral American cinema
Temblores/Tremors
Clara Sola
gaze
religion and sexuality
heteropatriarchy
JournalBulletin of Spanish Visual Studies
ISSN2474-1604
2474-1612
Year2025
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY-NC 4.0
File Access Level
Open (open metadata and files)
Publication dates
Published22 Nov 2024

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