Features

‘Cultural Being’ and the “Male Gaze” in MY RED COMRADE

Published

2 years ago

2024/06/30

Thilina Walpola

BY Robert Crusz

I found a disconnection between what I saw on the screen (the visuals) and what I heard (the verbals, the dialogue) in Sudath Mahadivulwewa’s film MY RED COMRADE.The female character asks pertinent questions of revolutionary men ….. “are you saying women like us are worthless ?, what did you do for equality ?, what is our role in your revolution ?? …..” She makes the valid point that there is no difference when it comes to how women are treated by both capitalism and socialism/Marxism.

But in my opinion, I felt that all the men and women in the audience were invited to take part, and join in a nearly 90-minute exercise of a group of predominantly male filmmakers (the director, the cameraman, most of the film crew and of course the male actor) LOOKING at the only other character in the film, the female actress, and her BODY.

The dialogue and conversation between the two unnamed characters, however much it was critical of capitalism, Marxism and the way women are treated in contemporary society, was always subsumed by what we were SHOWN on the screen ….nearly 90 minutes of a woman ‘performing’ for us in various stages of undress.

A “Cultural Being” is not a homogenous entity … we have many facets. The concept of “culture” itself has complex meanings and depends on CONTEXT …..WHOSE culture are we talking about ?, WHAT culture are we talking about ?; and what aspects DOMINATE A PARTICULAR CULTURE at any one given historical moment in any one country, nation or social formation ?

A “Cultural Being” is also a ‘Gendered Being’, and in this instance, the ‘Cultural Being’ that I saw clearly at the heart of this film is so obviously PATRIARCHAL. I was reminded of Laura Mulvey’s famous, nearly 50-year old, seminal essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema” [SCREEN, Volume 16, Issue 3, October 1, 1975, Pages 6–18]…. in which she argues that “the unconscious of patriarchal society has structured film form and failed to address the importance of the representation of the female form”. It was that article that introduced the concept of the “Male Gaze” to the critical language used, in not just film theorising, but to all debates on visual representational practices.

The concept of a ‘cultural being’ lies at the heart of ‘My Red Comrade’. In a recently published essay/review of his film (by Naveed Rozais in ‘The Morning’ newspaper, June 2, 2024) Sudath is reported to have stated in an interview that:

“The main subject of the film is being sensitive to culture and the things around you, whether it be political, economic, social, technological, environmental, or legal factors.”

He is said to have emphasised ‘the importance the individual had in driving long-term change by making informed decisions through reflecting and debating within themselves rather than blindly following external influences’. And he reportedly went on to say:

“I seriously believe we have a lack of cultural beings in Sri Lanka and that is why most of the problems are with us,” …. adding that …. ‘the current trend of Sri Lankan society to make ill-informed decisions that lacked personal reflection and understanding, as well as accurate and unbiased information, was what had led to many of our deep-seated issues, both political and societal’. In order to address these issues meaningfully, he stressed that it was crucial for Sri Lankans to look within themselves.

All this about the lack of ‘cultural beings’ in today’s Sri Lanka does come out in the dialogues of “My Red Comrade”. But I question if the structure of the film itself and its choice of visuals, shows “sensitivity” to, has “made informed decisions” about, and “reflected and debated” on the one major cultural facet that has seeped into, and now seriously dominates, not just the filmmaking culture in Sri Lanka but all of the various facets that make up our Sri Lankan cultural landscape …. that of patriarchy and the male gaze.

A Google search will tell you that “Patriarchy is a system of relationships, beliefs, and values embedded in political, social, and economic systems that structure gender inequality. Attributes seen as ‘feminine’ or pertaining to women are undervalued, while attributes regarded as ‘masculine’ or pertaining to men are privileged”.

Both Sudath, and the writers of the very positive English language reviews his film has received, claim that the dialogues between the two actors, from the very beginning, clearly portray a woman who is not undervalued, who is in charge of her own persona, and controls how she presents herself to the world. In technical, theoretical terms, she displays complete “agency”. So while she strips naked in front of the male gaze of the actor, the predominantly male film crew and everyone in the audience, specially us men, she claims that “her body has nothing left to conceal”. (“monawa kiyala wahagannde mata meake?”). One reviewer says there was nowhere for ‘inauthencity’ to hide …. we were gazing at the fully “authentic woman” (Warnakulasuriya, “Times Onine”, May 4, 2024).

The sub-text of what the woman clearly articulates in her dialogues is that she is far from being ‘authentic’. She is a person who has been FORMED by men ….. predominantly by her father ….. the third character in this movie, even though he is off-screen. She’s been schooled by him in revolutionary Marxist ideology through its literature and political texts, she has learnt ‘by heart’ the stories of Maxim Gorky and knows almost every book on the shelves of the vast library in the man’s hut.

It comes across to us viewers that she is very proud of her upbringing and has not lost the desire to perform in front of the men in her life to show them, perhaps unconsciouly, that she appreciates their role in her social and political formation into adulthood. But underlying all that, her present situation as a sex-worker, makes her a member of the exploited ‘underclass’ in Marxist terms, and her performance, her work, is therefore transactional …. ‘you pay, I perform’.

She is shown in the film continuously performing for the male gaze. She runs away from a job where she had to perform, and her being chased into the darkness by security services men is another kind of ‘performance’ …. a performance of flight. She performs again …. when she strips naked in front of the man, when she dances for him in his daydream, dressed in three different costumes, when she dons just a T shirt which barely reaches her knees and walks around the room, looking at, and reachihg up on tip toe for the books on the racks. Many of the shots in all these sequences are full-length long shots of her body from her head to her feet, and she knows she is being looked at and gazed at.

In the dialogue between the two characters ….she clearly states how her status as a woman is constantly threatened by men. She asks if women like her are useless ? is there room in society for women like us ? Does the revolution promote equality between men and women? ….. all valid questions.

But ….. what she doesn’t question, and what the film doesn’t question, is the VISUAL context of the film, how she has been portrayed on screen, and what does the audience get to SEE ?

(Robert Crusz, Tulana Research Centre, Kelaniya)

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

3 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

4 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

4 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.