What does it mean to be a man? For generations, Hollywood has painted a particular picture of men. They must be tough, emotionless, and stoic. But masculinity isn’t as simple as that.
The societal definition of masculinity is constantly evolving. One easily observable way to track that evolution is on the big screen.
Throughout the decades, to be seen as a man, one had to conform to typical masculine roles and exhibit so-called “masculine traits.”
You’re a man if you’re tough. You’re a man if you’re self-reliant. You’re a man if you’re smart. You’re a man if you’re “masculine.”
In the modern age, the so-called “masculine man” has been split open and dissected under the microscope, and what the industry found is that masculinity is a spectrum just like fingerprints; masculinity is unique to each individual person.
Through a new era of film, which I refer to in my research as “Realistic Cinema,” this vulnerability is embraced and given a platform to shine.
In prominent genres such as thrillers, westerns, and action films, male protagonists exhibit a tough exterior—a stereotypical kind of masculinity.
They are often ripped, unbeatable, and stoic in their emotions. Think “Fight Club”—Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. Think “Die Hard”—Bruce Willis. Think “The Godfather,” “Gladiator,” “Batman, “James Bond,”and “No Country for Old Men.” All of these aforementioned films depict a very socially accepted version of masculinity.
Films like these are undeniable classics and very entertaining to watch. I enjoy films such as these, but that is not the issue.
The issue comes from the fact that this depiction of masculinity is often the only one seen in mainstream media. Although we can all enjoy watching a movie like “Star Wars” or “Indiana Jones,” other key aspects of masculinity need to be expressed to younger generations.
For many young men, film characters can become role models and figures that they measure themselves against. So, to ensure men find a space in society, it is essential that films also have male leads that show vulnerability and emotion—very real traits that tell us what it is to be a real man and more than that—to be a real human being.
These overlooked facets of masculinity are spotlighted through films like “Stand by Me,” “Call Me by Your Name,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “Beautiful Boy,” “Power of the Dog,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Banshees of Inishirin,” and “Dead Poets Society.”
These films illustrate how men grieve, grow, and exist from day-to-day through themes of education, death, addiction, friendship, and identity.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview actor Colman Domingo at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).
Domingo was honored for his 2023 film “Sing Sing,” where he plays Divine G, a character who serves time for a crime he didn’t commit.
Through theater, Divine G and his fellow inmates foster a sense of community and learn to cope with the hardships of prison life.
As an actor who has crafted characters that showcase vulnerable masculinity, Domingo has a unique perspective to offer on this topic.
I asked Domingo why did he think that it is important for the audience to see, vulnerability in men, not just stoicism? He said, “Because I just believe that because it’s […] a practice that men are not taught. To be tender or have vulnerability, and that for some reason, that’s not being a man. And actually, we need all of that to be a human being, and be great partners and teachers and lovers and all that stuff.”
Colman Domingo has taken on many roles that require visibility of the vulnerable side of his characters, in “Rustin” (2023) as Bayard Rustin, an overlooked civil rights activist, and in “Sing, Sing” (2023) the film he was honored for this year, as Divine G.
“So for me, it was just like, the more work that I can do is to show the levels of masculinity and breakdown tropes of toxic masculinity. I’m doing a service to the world,” Domingo said.
To further my research, I interviewed Comparative Religion instructor Al Silva. When asked the same question about the importance of showing vulnerability in men, he said, “Masculinity, like just about any human characteristic, is always way more complex than it appears on the surface.” He continued, “I think it’s vital for everybody, not just for young folks. […] We don’t just have one simple idea of what it is.”
Silva’s perspective aligns with Domingo’s view, showing how crucial it is for both younger and older generations to witness a range of male characters that reflect the diversity of masculinity.
Traditional masculinity often emphasizes toughness, stoicism, and dominance, but the question remains: Is Hollywood doing enough to evolve these portrayals?
There is no simple answer. Silva explained, “I think it’s both ends, and I think it always will be… Don’t discount something just because it’s been historically associated with toxic forms of masculinity.”
To evolve these portrayals, we must avoid a binary approach. While it’s essential to challenge harmful stereotypes, it’s equally important to acknowledge the complexity of these traits for many men.
“If the point is to connect with as many men [as possible]… then it always and forever has to be a balanced approach,” Silva said.
It’s clear that evolving the portrayal of masculinity requires nuance—acknowledging both the traditional traits and the vulnerability that has so far gone unnoticed.
The portrayal of masculinity in film is evolving, and it’s essential for all generations to see a more nuanced representation of men that goes beyond traditional stereotypes of toughness and stoicism.
Through the exploration of films that showcase vulnerability, emotion, and the complexities of male identity, audiences will begin to see how masculinity is a spectrum and that diverse portrayals are essential for redefining what it means to be a man in contemporary society.
By breaking down toxic masculinity and providing role models that reflect a broader, more human experience of masculinity, society can begin to see how masculinity is much more complex than traditionally depicted.