In the Bar

According to Aitken, Lukinbeal, and Robertson, "The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" celebrates the fluidity of gay and trans identities and is at the very same time a very gender conservative movie - reinforcing white male supremacy and misogeny in the characters of Mitzie, Felicia and Bernadette. How do you see this working in "The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert"? Select one scene and analyze. How does this affect you as the spectator?

This film is particularly filled with male roles, male side roles, and male extras. In the small town bar scene, Mitzie, Felicia and Bernadette are first stared at and automatically made to feel as others. Knowing they do not belong among these people, the three continue to hold their heads high and remain confident. The butch woman in this scene is full of hate and disgust toward the protagonists. This woman is one of the few females, present in the film. However, the audience despises her mistreatment and behavior. Bernadette says a witty, harsh comment that the males in the bar appreciate, as well as the audience. The three prove they are good, fun people to all the males. The female's role is present to create that hatred for women, and the audience desires to see her beaten by Bernadette. The spectator first feels dislike because of the woman's comment, feels satisfied when Bernadette "schools" her with a comeback, and finally enjoys her downfall and failure as Bernadette wins the drinking competition.