Masculinity and Nationalism in Russian Sports Films, 2013–2019

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between masculinity and nationalism in the genre of sports film within the contemporary Russian film world. Putin’s politics emphasize the promotion of sports and a particular type of masculinity as a means to gain and project political power. In this context, the rise of the sports genre is almost inevitable as the film world responds to the surrounding cultural landscape, but what is unique about the Russian version is the emphasis on depicting historical events and figures rather than wholly fictionalized ones. Although the films in this thesis—Going Vertical (2017), Iron Ivan (2014), Champions (2016), Legend No. 17 (2013), and The Black Spider (2019)—are not faithful in their portrayal, by relying on the past for their narrative source, they can recontextualize moments of glory for their audience in a way that coincides with preconceived notions on masculinity. Going Vertical depicts the role ethnicity plays in identity creation, with male characters from diverse backgrounds playing roles that reinforce stereotypes about minority populations. The protagonists of Iron Ivan and Champions represent modern Russian manhood while explaining how masculinity can be lost and restored. Legend No. 17 and The Black Spider both seek to define a life well-lived, yet the definition changes in the years between the two films’ release, symbolizing that although history gives a precedent for modern male behavior, contemporary politics influence the representation of the past. All these films combine to paint a picture of a media landscape in which the political motivation is no longer subtextual but on full display as a means to ensure that the message may be widely received.