Hard Bodies: Hollywood Masculinity in the Reagan Era

by Susan Jeffords

Hard Bodies is about Ronald Reagan, Robert Bly, "America," Rambo, Dirty Harry, national identity, and individual manhood. By linking blockbuster Hollywood films of the 1980s to Ronald Reagan and his image, Susan Jeffords explores the links between masculinity and U.S. identity and how their images changed during that decade. Her book powerfully defines a distinctly ideological period in the renegotiation of masculinity in the post-Vietnam era. As Jeffords perceptively notes, Reagan was most effective at constructing and promoting his own image. His election in 1980 and his landslide re-election in 1984 offered politicians and the film industry some insight into "what audiences want to see." Audiences--and constituencies--were looking for characters who stood up for individualism, liberty, anti-governmentalism, militarism, and who embodied a kind of mythic heroism. The administration in Washington and Hollywood filmmakers sensed and tried to fill that need. Jeffords describes how movies meshed inextricably with Reagan's life as he cast himself as a hero and influenced the country to believe the same script. Invoking Clint Eastwood in his speeches and treating scenes from movies as if they were real, Reagan played on his image in order to link popular and national narratives. Hollywood returned the compliment. Through her illuminating and detailed analyses of both the Reagan presidency and many blockbuster movies, Jeffords provides a scenario within which the successes of the New Right and the Reagan presidency can begin to be she both encourages an understanding of how this complicity functioned and provides a framework within which to respond to the New Right's methods and arguments. Rambo, Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, Robocop, Back to the Future, Star Wars, the Indiana Jones series, Mississippi Burning, Rain Man, Batman, and Unforgiven are among the films she discusses. In her closing chapter, she suggests the direction that masculinity is taking in the 1990s.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, History, Politics

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1993

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeffords is THE voice of the discussion of masculinity in Die Hard, and her book doesn't disappoint. She defends her primary argument well by providing historical context to the Reagan era. However, she lacks depth in her arguments on race and gender by neglecting to provide adequate film evidence (frames and composition are needed more than dialogue and action). While she has the academic clout, many modern readers may find faults here and there.

[Bryan Cebulski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handful of sections that reach more than they grab, but otherwise a great work that ties together gender politics, American presidential history, and film representation.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first two chapters are the best part. Chapter two, which goes into Die Hard, Rambo, and Lethal Weapon is especially good on how 80's action movies were a rejection of 70's values (Jimmy Carter in particular). The latter chapters put the "theory" in film theory--I'm not entirely sold on all of them, but they are well written nonetheless.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely readable

[kelsey daffodil · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably some of my favourite theories about masculinity in film

[Laura Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when my reading for uni is interesting🧡

[Kelly Rosalyn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting theoretical framework

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

She misspelled and/or got the names of at least one director wrong (Leonard Reitman directed KINDERGARTEN COP? Pretty sure that first name’s Ivan) and definitely got the introductory scene of the titular character from the 1989 BATMAN wrong (unless there’s a bitchin’ cool/violent cut floating around, he didn’t kill either of the robbers at the film’s start), but, by God, Jeffers has put together a mandatory read for anyone seeking to better understand 80s action films and, specifically, how they align with Republican politics up and until 1992’s DIGGSTOWN and Eastwood’s UNFORGIVEN.

Ever thought that the BACK TO THE FUTURE series might be a useful tool to explain how to establish and “control time” in terms of Reaganistic values? How about Tim Burton’s BATMAN as a transitory analogue for the Reagan-Bush presidential hand-off and how to learn to accept our new “hero”? Terminator 2 as an evolution into certifying that being a tough guy isn’t enough; you gotta be a good on the domestic/family end, as well? That and so much more. One hell of a read. What a way to end out my (reading) year!

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on Hollywood's portrayal of masculinity during the Reagan presidency. The biggest problem is that the strength Jeffords' arguments vary. Her link between Rambo and Reagan is well done, but her interpretation of Disney's Beauty and the Beast leaves a little to be desired. Overall, an informative read, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the time period.

[Taylor Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blistering account of conservative masculinity models during the Reagan years. Some really in-depth stuff here but Jeffords could've been more critical of these models, explored more of American culture of the time beyond politics and movies, and the book needed a bit more of an edit.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, if limited, take on national masculinity in the 80s. Bit broadly swathed at times, but the readings of Reagan v. Rambo are good.