Current Forum: Session 11: Action/Adventure and Sexuality	Read 7 times 	
Date: 02-Apr-2001 19:20:17	
Author: HAMILTON, MARK	
Subject: Lethal Weapon	
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       In this post, I will argue that Cooper Thompson should have been at least somewhat happy with Lethal Weapon's portrayal of masculinity and that we do find some untraditional, positive 
masculinity in Lethal Weapon.
       But I do find many of the things Riggs and Murtaugh do revolting. Their use of guns is a dangerous model for society. Both Carl Curtis and Jenny Warner (whose fathers are police 
officers) have mentioned that many police officers go through an entire career without having to draw their gun. Riggs and Murtaugh seem to use guns every time we see them. I remember one scene (at one of the "drug villas") where Murtaugh flashes his gun holster at the prostitutes inside the villa. No wonder shots immediately follow with police officers like that.
       But Riggs and Murtaugh do have some redeeming qualities, although they are somewhat disguised in masculine bravura. First, Thompson believes that men should be "supportive and 
nurturant." I think Thompson makes the mistake of assuming that, because men sometimes raise their voices, such men are acting inappropriately. Culture has built into men the importance of acting aggressive and tough. I myself believe, sometimes, the only way to role model "feminine" kindness is in a tough, aggressive manner.
       This strikes me as being Murtaugh's tack in dealing with Riggs. If Murtaugh had simply lain down for Riggs and asked him to ("pretty please") not act so suicidal, Riggs would not have 
understood (although, admittedly, he doesn't seem to understood anyway). In another example, it certainly seems insensitive of both of them to make jokes about Trish Murtaugh's cooking. But 
acting in such a masculine, supposedly rude, way ("not valuing 'women's work'" as Thompson calls it) is Murtaugh's bestchance to identify with Riggs and to bring Riggs into contact with Murtaugh's loving and nurturant family (which would be good for him). The joke smoothes the way for him to invite Riggs to dinner.
       Obviously, Riggs is deeply disturbed by his wife's death, but at least he is being vulnerable. He is not going to hide the fact (like some people would) that he is hurting. Of course, I have 
issues with the way he expresses his hurt to others and generally, but I think myself (and most people) identify more with him than somebody who acts like they have it all together.
       At the movie's end, I believe Riggs and Murtaugh have empathized with each other and empowered each other. Murtaugh's daughter seemed destined for death (although she didn't die, of course) so I think Murtaugh has a little more empathy for Riggs and Riggs's struggles with his wife's death. Admittedly, they have a long distance before them until they reach understanding, mature masculinity, but they are not un-savable.