Rape of the Nation: Karai norte (2009) and Noche adentro (2010)

Abstract

This Chapter analyzes Marcelo Martinessi and Pablo Lamar’s films as allegories and theorizes the rape narrative’s relationship to the nation within the context of filmic representation and national historical narratives involving rape and female sexuality. Situated within a long tradition of using the rape trope to comment on political power (in art and political rhetoric), these films force the spectator into an ambiguous position as a witness. While the moments of la conquista (and its ensuing mestizaje myth) and the Triple Alliance War (1864–1870) are traced to the rape trope, these films also present challenges to the contemporary political status quo and related feminist struggles.