Sex and Music

The Piano

As far as the question of sexuality in this movie, I got the feeling that the stereotypical gender rolls gets reversed in the relationsip between Baines and Ada. Originally he is the one lusting after Ada and uses her desire for the piano to force her into being sexual. However, when he gives the piano back, he pines after her and can only think of her. When she visits him for sex, Ada seems to have little reservation about her actions or worries about what it means. Baines, on the other hand, seems to be like a typical woman in how he is so worried about whether he will see her again and if she actually loves him and all. Until Ada sends him the piano key, I definitely felt Baines had much more invested in the relationship.

Another aspect I found curious about the sexuality in The Piano is the lack of monogamy, especially considering the time period. The exact story behind who Flora’s (Ada’s daughter) father is is unknown, and since Ada is betrothed to Stewart it’s highly unlikely she was married to Flora’s father. Then, while she is married and living with Stewart she becomes involved with Baines. There is even brief mention of Baines having a wife somewhere else. It makes me wonder if people didn’t practice what they preached then, or if this is just a curious scenario.

One part I found amusing, and definitely derived from a female mind, was the scene with the Maori ladies and their children sitting around doing laundry and gossiping. This is a typical, timeless activity for ladies. This scene seemed so warm and comfortable to me, you instantly knew that all the people there were close and had grown up together. I found it interesting how open the Maori people were about talking about sex, especially compared to the Europeans who found that sort of thing completely taboo. The Maori characters are definitely more free spirited and open minded, which gives them a more welcoming feel.

-Cynthia