Military Masculinity and the Deserting Soldier in Stop-Loss (2008)

Abstract

The chapter outlines the deserter narrative in American war culture, with a focus on the inherent tensions between normative ideals of masculinity and transgressive notions of cowardice. The chapter then analyzes Kimberly Peirce’s 2008 Iraq War film Stop-Loss in this context. The U.S. war film genre is regulated by certain conventions regarding masculinity, heroism and national identity, but by presenting the transgressive act of desertion as one of moral courage, Peirce challenges established notions of military masculinity and national identity. This challenge remains temporary, though: the main character retains the culturally powerful trope of the ideal male soldier. Ultimately, he is unable to turn his back on his men and his country, and the film is unable to fully undermine the potent trope that links nation, military and masculinity.