ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate how the work of philosopher Luce Irigaray can help us understand forms of racial and sexual oppression in the film, Monster's Ball (Marc Forster, 2001). This film presents a vision of femininity in patriarchal society that both accords with and goes beyond that of Irigaray: Monster's Ball foregrounds issues of race, but Irigaray's work foregrounds the question of sexual difference, with race as a secondary factor. The film's context of capital punishment and focus on those who execute throws into sharp focus racialized identities in relation to criminality, prejudice, history, and culture. In this violent mix, the character of Leticia (Halle Berry) attempts to survive despite losing all that she relies on (husband, son, job, car, home, and even her ability to make informed choices), as she negotiates a relationship with the prison guard who executed her husband. In the film world of Monster's Ball Leticia has no real alternative other than to stay where she is and hope for the best.
