“What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

The primary aim of this paper is to write an essay based on a film review of the film “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Essentially, this paper would look at how family abuse has been depicted in the media and its significance. Finally, a brief review of some of the false depictions that may contribute to creating misconceptions or the reinforcement of negative perceptions will be addressed.
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Brian Gibson directed the film “What’s Love Got to Do” in the United States. On June 9th, 1993, the film was released for the first time (It, 2017). The film has gained critical acclaim and has been nominated for and awarded in several categories, including such as Motion Picture, Musical for Comedy and The Golden Globe for the Best Actress. On the other hand; when we look at family violence, this refers to a specific pattern of behavior which involves people abusing or violating the other person (Barnett & Ola & Cindy & Miller & Robin 56). In most cases, most of the people who end up violating each other belong in the same domestic setting such as cohabitation or a marriage. Synonyms that relate to this word are battering, domestic abuse and family violence. Some of the main characters that are related with this movie are Tina Turner, Darlene, Zelma Bullock (Tina’s mother), Alline Bullock, Lorraine Turner, Spider, Fross and Jackie (It, 2017).

In reference to the film; the movie “What’s love got to do” has very instances where family violence has been portrayed. Tina Turner is revealed to the audience as a very a very strong character who rises to fame due to her talent in singing. Over the years, she gains a lot of wealth in terms of money as well as popularity; however, this does not save her from spouse abuse (It, 2017). Basically, the movie is a clear evidence that spouse abuse is true. When we look at the film; Tina Turner is married to Ike. Ike is portrayed as a man who is very violent and lives under a lot of pressure; as a result of this, he frequently bursts out and turns out to be aggressive and unfriendly to his wife Tina.

As a result of family violence between Tina and Ike; Tina lives in constant fear, guilt and denial. When we look at guilt, Ike verbally abuses Tina from one time to another. He makes her feel like she has failed in her role as a wife (It, 2017). Ike also goes further to beating Tina. He physically abuses Tina by beating her all over. Consequently, Tina develops wounds and bruises. When her friends ask her what is going on, she does not agree to the fact that Ike has been beating her up. However, Ike was a very clever man who always found a way to cover up for his bad deeds/wrongdoings (It, 2017). For example; after he beat Tina, he treated her by taking her out or honeymoon. This act was meant to cover up for all of his sins.

Family violence/spouse abuse is also portrayed when see Tina portraying the signs or emotions that battered women portray. In this case, we get to see that Tina excuses Ike’s violent and abusive behaviors (It, 2017). Tina does not want to agree to the fact that Ike is a very violent man who does not give her the love and care that she deserves. One fact that can be used to prove that Tina portrays the signs of battered woman is that she covers up for Ike. She does not want to admit to her friends that Ike is violent in nature or normal circumstances. Tina tells her family and friends that the main reason for Ike being oppressive and aggressive is because he is under a lot of pressure and is also faced with very many life difficulties. The next sign that Tina portrays is feat (It, 2017). She lives in constant fear not knowing what will happen next in her life. Probably, this is the main reason why she does not want to engage in too much activity with her spouse. Based on the film; it is safe to state the fact that Tina is afraid of Ike since she does not want to engage in any form of conflict with him.

It is important to note the fact that family violence or spouse abuse is not only portrayed with physical abuses (Barnett & Ola & Cindy & Miller & Robin 23). It can also be portrayed through emotional abuse. Generally; it is safe to state the fact that Ike and Tina are leaving in a relationship that is full of emotional abuses. People who are married, in a cohabitation or relationship ought to live with peace and harmony. In this case, the couple lives in a life filled with betrayal and mistrust. They verbally abuse each other (It, 2017). This leads to weakening of their relationship. In most cases, people who abuse each other end up creating a scenario where they hurt each other’s emotions and feelings. Ike hurts Tina’s feeling by constantly abusing her. This lowers her self – esteem and weakens their love.

After a close analysis of the film; family violence is also portrayed when we see Ike abusing Tina sexually. Ike is portrayed as man who is very jealous and does not like the success that Tina gets. He gets mad and jealous when Tina gains massive popularity and fame. One night after Tina had finished her recording session, Ike rapes her (It, 2017). He forces her to have sex with him yet Tina did not want to. Despite the fact that married partners are supposed to have sex, it does not have to be done in circumstances that are forceful (Warshaw 13). Basically, it safe to state the fact that this is clear act of domestic violence. Ike hurts Tina both physically and emotionally by raping her. In general terms; rape is part of domestic violence.

Lastly, Domestic violence is portrayed when we see Tina Turner appealing for help from her friends and family when she could no longer handle the situation. After a long period of ignoring that she was living in an abusive relationship, she finally admits that Ike has been beating her, throwing abusive words and sexually abusing her (It, 2017). In conclusion, it is important to note the fact that everyone is prone to spouse violence. Based on the film is quite evident that even popular people such as movie actors and singers such as Tina Turner suffer from the same fate.

Works Cited

Barnett, Ola, Cindy L. Miller-Perrin, and Robin D. Perrin. Family violence across the lifespan: An introduction. Sage Publications, Inc, 2005.

Browne, Angela. When battered women kill. Simon and Schuster, 2008.

Warshaw, Robin. I never called it rape: The” Ms.” report on recognizing, fighting, and surviving date and acquaintance rape. Harper & Row Publishers, 1988.

It, W. (2017). Watch What’s Love Got to Do with It 1993 Online | Free Movies. fmovies. Retrieved 2 November 2017, from https://fmovies.is/film/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it.j728