Sensual Face of the Subaltern: The Representation of Sarah Baartman in Vénus Noire (2010) Gergo Toth College

In Kechiche’s film titled the Vénus Noire is the cinematic representation of the historic figure, the Hottentot Venus also known as Saartjie or Sara(h) Baartman. She is in the centre of the film starting at the time Saartjie begins performing in Europe, in London and later in Paris. As a black woman having physical peculiarities, she is represented during the performances as one of the savage people of Africa. Thus her representation during these shows can be interpreted as the representation the Other mainly because of her complexion, physical features (and her native language). On stage she is expected to perform accordingly to the audience’s expectations, that is, as an uncivilized tribal woman. However, her off-stage behavior is very much similar to the “European” normative so it is not much different from of the behavior of a civilized European woman in the Victorian era. Although there is a discrepancy between her behavior on and off stage, her facial expressions remain a key communication means for her. Saartjie’s facial expressions reflect some sort of sensuality indicating her emotional condition rooted in her past, so parts of her story are revealed by her verbally on some occasions but she fails to be heard or...