Challenging Stereotypes: Examining Arab Womanhood in “The Negotiator”

Abstract

This article presents a participant-based film analysis of Brad Anderson’s The Negotiator (2018), a Netflix production. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalent portrayal of Arabs and Muslims as the primary antagonists in American (neo-Orientalist) cinema. By analyzing the development of Arab characters, the article delves into the construction of villainy and its function in juxtaposition to heroism within the film’s narrative. A particular focus is given to the marginalization of Arab women, who are deprived of agency and the opportunity to express themselves. To address this issue, the study includes perspectives from Arab female participants, allowing them to articulate their perceptions and connections to both the Arab and American characters in the film. The research explores the common depiction of Arab or Muslim women as inactive extras or silenced secondary characters in post-9/11 American films. Through this investigation, the article aims to shed light on the representation and portrayal of Arab and Muslim women in contemporary American cinema.