Desires of the imaginary body. Love and menarche in fantasy films

Abstract

The misogyny which has traditionally considered the female body an irresistible source of sin also turned into the worshipping of the purity of childhood, as well as into a certain eroticization of it by adults. This transition from an innocent being to a holder of uncontrolled and sinful, guilty power is shown in fantastic films by numerous metaphors, mainly those involving blood, supernatural powers and physical transformations into other beings. Nevertheless, these monsters coming from the misogynous view of patriarchy (vamps, panthers, witches, sphinxes, harpies) end up becoming symbols of rebellion against it. Thus, this article will lead us in a trip where fantasy film symbols about female puberty will be explained.