From denunciation to therapy: Representing coach-athlete abuse in occidental cinema

Abstract

This article examines the evolving portrayal of abusive coaching relationships in contemporary occidental cinema, particularly through the lens of five biographical films: The Little Queen, The Tale, Slalom, Service vole and Floodlights. Released between 2014 and 2022, these films highlight the complex power dynamics and psychological impacts of coach-athlete relationships within the sports context. By utilizing a biopic format, they not only enhance public awareness of these abusive dynamics but also facilitate a transnational dialogue ignited by the #MeToo movement's exposure of sexual misconduct across various industries. This article contributes to a broader discourse on the intersection of sports, cinema, and social justice, highlighting how film can be a powerful tool for social change by amplifying voices that have historically been silenced and by promoting an informed and empathetic understanding of abuse and recovery in sports.

Keywords

sport sexual abuse gender cinema MeToo

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