Current Forum: Session 11: Action/Adventure and Sexuality	Read 12 times 	
Date: 03-Apr-2001 00:04:15	
Author: DAVIS, SHERYL Y. <syd8438@garnet.acns.fsu.edu>	
Subject: Lethal Weapon 	
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       Richard Donne has a designed a masterpiece that includes moments of tears and laughter in his film, Lethal Weapon. Within the realm of this crime and action drama, the viewer continuously witnesses feminine/masculine aspects that help define the roles of each of the central characters.
       For example, the close-up shot of Riggs on top of the building as he attempts to convince the man from committing suicide by handcuffing himself to him and the long shot of them falling
into the air bags on the ground represents the "tough guy" masculine role of this detective. But, in terms of race and along the lines of masculinity, Murtaugh is portrayed as the "family man" who appears to be "softer", and as mentioned in Fred Pfeil's "From Pillar to Postmodernism: Race, Class, and Gender in the Male Rampage Film," 'gendered or feminine healing' (227). This concept is manifested through the gradual friendship between Riggs and Murtaugh and vividly seen when Riggs designs a plan to rescue Murtaugh's daughter. 
       Also, the scene wherein the female police psychiatrist is attempting to convince the lieutenant who is heading the investigation reveals the negative reinforcement of the feminine. This is portrayed with the close-up shot of the psychiatrist and the lieutenant conversing about the disturbed emotional state of Riggs. Of course, the lieutenant does not buy into her theory
and labels it a "bunch of psych bullshit." The viewer, then sees the close-up shot of the "men's" sign on the bathroom door, as the lieutenant rushes in during mid conversation, and the door slams behind him.