Intellectual Analysis: Vivian Bearing
As there is no definite definition of what it means by ‘women intellectuals’, I would like to set my own limitation to compile the films needed in this project. Intellectual can simply mean being smart. However, such simple definition also needs to be further questioned. What does smart mean in this context? Does it mean literally like having a high IQ and brilliant both as academia or a professional with a bright career? Additionally, it can also mean being smart in handling problems, for example, some people know exactly what to do when they encounters problem in life. For its indefinite range of meanings, I think it is necessary to narrow down the scope of the project for it will help me setting up the focus of my project. Talking about
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Vivian’s doctor, Harvey Kelekian (Christoper Lloyd), deliberately prescribe chemotherapy treatment and that he ultimately believes in her strength in undergoing the treatments. Here, Dr. Kelekian sort of challenges Vivian by emphasizing that she is a tough and independent woman. Interestingly, once Vivian is in the hospital, she begins to look and talk to the camera. As if, she is documenting her chemotherapy treatment. She is kind of having a conversation with the audience to express her feeling. Later in the film, she admits that as scholar (she also adds the word ‘was’) she is obliged to document a crucial time like this. More to this, a flash back periodically jumps into her current condition (showing some effects of the treatments such as vomiting, hair losing). She begins to travel to various moments of her life such as her childhood, her graduate study, and her career as a college professor. As the treatment continues, Vivian is getting weaker. Her nurse, Susan Monahan (Audra McDonald), who seems to be aware of her condition, thinks that the dosage is too much for Vivian. However, Vivian’s doctor does not feel the same and keeps on believing that Vivian can handle the treatments so far. Even though, she agrees to undergo some more experimental treatments Vivian observes the power relation between her and the doctors. She rather realizes the
Vivian’s doctor, Harvey Kelekian (Christoper Lloyd), deliberately prescribe chemotherapy treatment and that he ultimately believes in her strength in undergoing the treatments. Here, Dr. Kelekian sort of challenges Vivian by emphasizing that she is a tough and independent woman. Interestingly, once Vivian is in the hospital, she begins to look and talk to the camera. As if, she is documenting her chemotherapy treatment. She is kind of having a conversation with the audience to express her feeling. Later in the film, she admits that as scholar (she also adds the word ‘was’) she is obliged to document a crucial time like this. More to this, a flash back periodically jumps into her current condition (showing some effects of the treatments such as vomiting, hair losing). She begins to travel to various moments of her life such as her childhood, her graduate study, and her career as a college professor. As the treatment continues, Vivian is getting weaker. Her nurse, Susan Monahan (Audra McDonald), who seems to be aware of her condition, thinks that the dosage is too much for Vivian. However, Vivian’s doctor does not feel the same and keeps on believing that Vivian can handle the treatments so far. Even though, she agrees to undergo some more experimental treatments Vivian observes the power relation between her and the doctors. She rather realizes the