Anisha Riggs
Violence and Perfume is a phrase that could refer to a number of things. It could be interpreted literally, as in the case of the 1983 short film Possibly in Michigan, where two women shopping for perfume are stalked by a masked, cannibalistic murderer. The film explores themes of violence against women, revenge, and the complexities of gender dynamics. The phrase could also be used metaphorically, as in the song Violence & Perfume (Interlude) by McWig, or to describe a scent that evokes a strong, visceral reaction. The perception of perfume as violent is highly subjective, with some fragrances striking different people in vastly different ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film | Possibly in Michigan |
| Film release date | 1983 |
| Film director | Cecelia Condit |
| Film genre | Horror |
| Film theme | Violence against women |
| Film theme | Lesbianism |
| Film theme | Female revenge |
| Film theme | Materialism |
| Film theme | Cannibalism |
| Film character | Sharon |
| Film character | Janice |
| Film character | Arthur/Prince Charming |
| Film location | Department store |
| Song | Violence & Perfume (Interlude) |
| Song artist | McWig |
| Song release date | 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
- The film *Possibly in Michigan* explores violence against women
- The film's characters are victims of violent men but blame themselves
- The film depicts female revenge and empowerment
- Perfume and materialism in the mall setting symbolise women distracting themselves with attracting men
- Some people perceive certain perfumes as violent
The film *Possibly in Michigan* explores violence against women
The 1983 short film *Possibly in Michigan* explores violence against women. Written and directed by Cecelia Condit, the film follows two women, Sharon and Janice, who are being stalked by a masked, cannibalistic murderer in a department store. The film is part of the "Jill Sands trilogy", which includes two other films by Condit that star the actress Jill Sands, who plays Sharon in *Possibly in Michigan*.
At the beginning of the film, Sharon narrates that she attracts violent men and makes them think that the violence is the man's idea. This is reflected in the character of Arthur, the cannibalistic stalker, who is introduced as sharing these same inclinations. The film can be interpreted as a critique of gender dynamics in typical 1980s slasher movies, with the two female protagonists receiving more characterisation than the masked villain.
As the film progresses, Arthur breaks into Sharon's house and tells her that she has two options: he will either eat her immediately or slowly dismember her, claiming to do so out of love. Janice, Sharon's best friend, arrives and fatally shoots Arthur. Instead of being portrayed as victims, the women are shown to take control of the situation, dismembering Arthur's body and making soup from his body parts. They are also seen smoking cigarettes and feeding scraps to their dog.
The film has been interpreted as a revenge fantasy for feminists and an exploration of male violence against women. Some viewers have also noted the symbolism of the perfume and materialism in the mall setting, suggesting that the women are distracting themselves with materialism to attract men. However, others argue that the women are actually the ones in power, manipulating the men and causing harm.
Overall, *Possibly in Michigan* is a thought-provoking film that challenges traditional gender dynamics in horror movies and explores themes of violence, revenge, and female empowerment.
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The film's characters are victims of violent men but blame themselves
The 1983 short horror film "Possibly in Michigan" explores the theme of violence against women. The film centres around two women, Sharon and Janice, who are shopping for perfume in a department store while being stalked by a masked, cannibalistic murderer. Both women are known for attracting violent men and making the violence seem like the man's idea.
In the film, the characters of Sharon and Janice are victims of violent men but blame themselves for the situation. This phenomenon of victims blaming themselves is not uncommon, especially in cases of domestic violence. There are several factors that contribute to this self-blame:
- Internalization of the Abuser's Message: Abusers often fail to take responsibility for their actions and blame the victim for their loss of control. Over time, victims may start to internalize this message and believe that they are indeed at fault.
- Perception of the Abuser: In many cases, the abuser may be considered 'nice' or 'normal' by others, making it difficult for others to believe the victim's allegations. This can lead the victim to question themselves and blame themselves for the abuse.
- Lack of Support: Victims may confide in others, such as doctors, therapists, family members, or friends, only to have their concerns downplayed or dismissed. This lack of support can reinforce the victim's self-blame and make them feel isolated.
- Emotional Trauma: Domestic violence takes a significant emotional toll on victims, often resulting in low self-esteem and confidence. This can make it difficult for victims to recognize their worth and assert their rights, leading them to blame themselves for the abuse.
- Financial Insecurity: Fear of financial insecurity after leaving an abusive relationship can also play a role in victims blaming themselves. They may feel that they have no other option but to stay, and this sense of powerlessness can contribute to self-blame.
It is important to note that while the film depicts violence against women, men can also be victims of domestic violence and face similar barriers in reporting abuse. Victim-blaming attitudes are harmful as they marginalize the survivor and reinforce the abuser's message. It is crucial to provide support and resources to victims of domestic violence to help them recognize that the abuse is not their fault and that they are not alone.
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The film depicts female revenge and empowerment
The 1983 short film "Possibly in Michigan", written and directed by Cecelia Condit, depicts female revenge and empowerment. The film centres on two women, Sharon and Janice, who are portrayed as attracting violent men and manipulating them into thinking that the violence inflicted is the man's idea. This theme of violence against women and female revenge is a prominent interpretation of the film.
The film opens with Sharon and Janice shopping for perfumes in a department store, followed by a masked, cannibalistic murderer. The women are shown to be in danger, with the murderer breaking into Sharon's home and making violent threats. However, the film takes a turn as Janice shoots at the masked figures and ultimately kills Arthur, the man who had been stalking them. This act of violence by the female characters can be seen as a form of revenge and a subversion of traditional gender roles, empowering them by taking control of their own safety.
The use of perfume and the department store setting in the film has been interpreted as symbolic of materialism and the idea that women are often preoccupied with attracting men. This interpretation suggests that the women's focus on perfume and shopping distracts them from the danger lurking behind them, represented by the murderer. However, the film also challenges this notion by portraying the women as taking agency and fighting back against their stalker, despite the societal expectations imposed on them.
The film's depiction of female revenge and empowerment has been noted by commentators such as Joanne Morreale, who described the film as a "revenge fantasy for feminists". The film's exploration of violence against women and the characters' ability to turn the tables on their attacker has resonated with audiences, particularly among Generation Z, who have discovered and popularised the film through social media platforms like TikTok.
"Possibly in Michigan" challenges societal norms and presents a complex portrayal of female empowerment through revenge. By combining elements of horror and dark humour, the film offers a unique perspective on gender dynamics and the experience of women facing violence.
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Perfume and materialism in the mall setting symbolise women distracting themselves with attracting men
The relationship between perfume and violence is explored in the 1983 film "Possibly in Michigan", where two women shopping for perfume in a department store are stalked by a masked murderer. This film delves into the darker side of perfume and its connection to violence and attraction.
While the film presents an extreme scenario, it highlights how perfume can be perceived as a tool for attraction and how it can play into gender dynamics. In reality, many people, including women, use perfume to enhance their attractiveness to potential mates. Pheromone perfumes, for example, are marketed as a way to lure potential partners and enhance one's natural scent chemistry.
The mall setting is significant as it represents a space where consumers, particularly women, engage in materialistic pursuits. The presence of perfume and cosmetics stores, such as Sephora, within malls encourages consumers to try various products and indulge in the pleasure of scent and self-improvement. While some may view this as a harmless distraction or a form of self-care, it can also symbolise a preoccupation with physical appearance and the pursuit of male attention.
The act of buying perfume in a mall setting can be seen as a form of materialism, where individuals seek to acquire goods to enhance their image and social status. This materialistic pursuit may be driven by a desire to attract potential partners, reinforcing the connection between perfume, attraction, and gender dynamics.
Additionally, the mall setting provides a space where individuals can temporarily escape their everyday lives and immerse themselves in a world of consumerism and sensory experiences. The array of perfumes and cosmetics on offer can be enticing, promising a new identity or an enhanced version of oneself. This symbolism of transformation and self-improvement can be particularly alluring to those seeking to distract themselves from personal challenges or a desire for change.
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Some people perceive certain perfumes as violent
The sense of smell is deeply intertwined with human emotions and memory. Scents can evoke powerful emotional responses, both positive and negative. Similarly, certain perfumes can be perceived as violent by some individuals due to their strong and often polarising nature.
The perception of violence in perfumes is a highly subjective experience and can vary across different cultural and personal contexts. For instance, in the film "Possibly in Michigan", the main characters Sharon and Janice, who are known for attracting violent men, share a preference for the same perfume. The film explores themes of violence against women and female empowerment, suggesting that the choice of perfume may be symbolic of the characters' attraction to violent men or their attempt to distract themselves with materialism to attract men.
On a similar note, some individuals have described certain perfumes as having a "violent" scent. For example, one person described Cacharel LouLou in vintage form as a "violent" perfume, while acknowledging that it was also very good and polarising. The perception of violence in this context could be attributed to the strength and intensity of the fragrance, triggering a strong emotional response in the individual.
Furthermore, the association between violence and perfume can be found in various forms of media, such as the song "Violence & Perfume (Interlude)" by McWig. While the specific connection between violence and perfume in the song is unclear, it further highlights the intriguing interplay between these two seemingly contrasting concepts.
In conclusion, the perception of violence in perfumes is deeply rooted in personal experiences, cultural influences, and individual variations in olfactory sensitivity. While the scent of a perfume may not be inherently violent, the way it is interpreted and experienced by individuals can vary significantly, leading some to perceive certain perfumes as violent.
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Frequently asked questions
In the film, two women, Sharon and Janice, are shopping for perfume in a department store while being stalked by a masked, cannibalistic murderer. The film explores themes of violence against women, female revenge empowerment, and the idea that the women's interest in perfume and materialism ultimately contributes to attracting men, including violent ones.
The perfume serves as a symbol of the women's shared interest and their attraction to violent men. It also highlights the theme of materialism and how it can distract from the dangers lurking behind them.
The film depicts Sharon and Janice as victims of violence by a cannibalistic murderer named Arthur. The women are stalked, threatened, and faced with the choice between being eaten immediately or slowly dismembered. The film explores the idea that the women attract violent men and make the violence seem like it was the man's idea.
In addition to violence and perfume, the film explores themes such as revenge fantasy, female empowerment, lesbianism, and the critique of materialism and consumer culture.
The film has gained popularity among Generation Z and has been described as a combination of disturbing and cute, balancing violence and humour. It has sparked discussions about violence against women, the portrayal of female characters, and the exploration of dark themes through absurdist humour.
