The Hand Flex

     I am a sucker for period dramas. Anything based on a novel by Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott I eat up. I think I have watched the 2005 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" about 15 times. There is something so romantic and whimsical about a period piece set during the time of large balls and dowries. But, what is most important is that it is looked at through a female lens. 

    What do you mean? Well, it's not just because the films were directed by women because oftentimes they are not. Greta Gerwig a female-identifying director did a fantastic job on the 2019 adaptation of "Little Women" based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott of the same name. But a male-identifying director Joe Wright was responsible for the acclaimed 2005 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice". This film does so well what many try and fail or don't even attempt. That is viewing the story and characters through a female Gaze. 

This story through costuming, directing, and acting could have gone in a very different direction. Instead, we focus on building our characters as a whole and use shots that close in on expressions and minute details that in reality mean the world. This brings me to the scene that is absolutely swoon-worthy. The hand flex! The hand flex stems from a scene when Mr.Darcy is helping Elizabeth into the carriage post a visit to retrieve her sister who had fallen ill. Darcy grabs Elizabeth's hand the help her into the carriage. We then close in on the hands and continue to follow Darcy as he flexes his hand while walking away from her revealing to the audience at that moment through such a minute action his true feelings and desires regarding Elizabeth. 

That is a great example of the female gaze that it's not spelled out or a moment when our characters are explaining their feelings either with words or kissing or sex. But all is revealed through looks and glances. Eyes and hands are windows to the soul and that is the female gaze.