2007’s ‘Teeth’ from Director Mitchell Lichtenstein quickly gained infamy for its comically sexual subject matter. Though there were initial titters at the trailer, the feature was largely dismissed as schlock horror, however there is actually a lot more to it beyond ‘the film about the vagina with teeth ’.
Jess Weixler plays innocent teen Dawn and follows her journey of self discovery. Many films from a range of genres centre around this complicated time in a woman’s life, with the cult movie ‘Jennifers Body’ telling a largely similar tale of man eating teen. Despite the similarities, Teeth approaches the story in way that allows it to stand in its own right as a unique approach to the myth of ‘vagina dentata’.
The tone of the piece is set right out of the gate as Dawn and her peers learn about the reproductive system in class. Whilst the diagrams of the male anatomy are on display, the vulva is censored, deemed too vulgar for the sensitive teen audience. The stigma surrounding female sexuality is still prevalent in society and is a key contributor to a woman’s deep rooted shame of her body and desire. Where there have been extensive scientific studies into male sexuality, there remains such mystery around the sexuality of those assigned female at birth. When you add the effects of pornography into the mix, a billion dollar industry that even today still largely caters only for a male audience, it’s hardly surprising to find that many young women struggle with body confidence. The accessibility of pornography has shifted perceptions of the ‘ideal woman’ to a very specific image with very little room for variation that does not depict the reality of the female anatomy. With such a huge industry predominately catering to the desires of men, women are largely left to explore their own sexuality in the dark. This lack of representation reinforces the shame surrounding female sexuality and societal expectations.
In Teeth, this sense of expectation is clearly displayed in the relationship between Dawn’s stepbrother Brad (John Hensley) and his girlfriend Melanie (Nicole Swahn). Pressured into anal sex and fed a dog toy during intercourse, the lines of consent are blurred as Melanie is compelled into acts she is clearly uncomfortable with, yet Brad appears to feel entitled to. It’s an often sidelined conversation when discussing the topic of assault and too often individuals accept unacceptable behaviour due to this sense of entitlement and expectation within a relationship.
The religious teen Dawn practices abstinence but finds herself drawn to another member of her purity group, Tobey (Hale Appleman). The hormonal urge proves difficult to resist and the couple experience a romantic moment when swimming together in a secluded spot. Things quickly turn sour when Dawn retracts her consent, something anyone should be perfectly entitled to do at any point. What began as teens fooling around takes a more sinister turn as Tobey ignores Dawns protests and rapes the young woman before being wounded by her ‘teeth’. Again, Teeth highlights a troubling debate around something that shouldn’t even be in question. Many women struggle with their own assaults, blaming themselves for initial consent and fear of being labeled a tease.
It’s a compelling narrative that echos many women’s lived experience. Even the seemingly chaste boy that shows kindness can be a threat in the right circumstances. It’s an underlying fear that is never far from our mind and it’s hardly surprising given the wealth of ways women can be and are assaulted every day.
Seeking reassurance she is ‘normal’, Dawn visits the gynaecologist for what should be a routine examination. Though she should be in a safe space, she discovers the shocking abuse of power that can exist which again triggers her unique defence mechanism. Through her journey of self discovery, Dawn finds that her teeth do not engage when involved in consensual sexual activity and the young woman comes to take control of her sexuality.
Throughout the feature there are also a number of references to the figure of Medusa from Greek mythology – a tragically misunderstood tale. Raped by Poseidon, Medusa was subsequently ‘punished’ by the goddess Athena, turned into the monstrous creature with snakes for hair who’s gaze can turn any man to stone, never again able to get get close to anyone.
The take away from this story is clear. If a woman is raped, it is her own fault. It’s a theme we see repeated often throughout history, from the witch trials to (shockingly) our modern court system – where a woman’s sexual history is laid bare as ‘evidence’ against her validity of testimony.
The story has been reclaimed in recent years, with a statue being unveiled in New York City – ‘Medusa with the head of Perseus’ from scultptor Garbati representing triumph for victims of sexual assault in light of the #metoo movement.
Though our protagonist initially feared there was something wrong with her, she learns to harness her sexuality. Perhaps her unusual skill is in fact the next stage of human evolution – vital for a woman’s survival.
As the film closes on Dawn in another precarious situation, her sly smile speaks volumes to the strength and experiences of women everywhere. Though it would be easy to dismiss the film as a tacky horror with a deliberately sensationalist subject matter, Teeth has unexpected depths. The film delivers a strong and powerful message – no means no. Whilst some may still attempt to debate the issue of consent, Teeth has a very visual (and bloody) stance on the matter. The result is an entertaining feature that surprisingly tackles themes of feminism with humour and just a little bit of bite.
