War films since 9/11 depict the fight against terrorists as a necessary and unavoidable task, even if it involves civilians. The question of modern warfare and “collateral damage” is heightened when children are involved. Eye in the Sky (2015), directed by Gavin Hood, focuses entirely on this dilemma when an American drone is launched, affecting a civilian target. New technologies are seamlessly used in this global war theatre, adding to the allure of the action movie. In addition, women can assume the role of masterminding counter terrorist attacks because there is no longer a need for hyper masculine action heroes when dealing with cyber-warfare. Another example with a prominent female war protagonist is Zero, Dark, Thirtyabout the capture of Osama Bin Laden.

This lecture discusses the ways in which mainstream films legitimate modern warfare as a necessary evil to protect American interests and homes. It also addresses the changing gender roles in war films where women are pulled into a cyber-war that is remote from the trenches but equally lethal.

Bio: Karen A. Ritzenhoff is a Professor of Communication at Central Connecticut State University where she also teaches in the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. Her past research has covered issues ranging from “Heroism and Gender in War Films” to “Selling Sex on Screen.” In 2015 she co-edited Humor, Entertainment, and Popular Culture during World War I (Palgrave) with Clémentine Tholas-Disset.

informations: clementine.tholas@univ-paris3.fr