Buff, Tough, and Rough: Representations of Muscularity in Action Motion Pictures

Abstract

Although the muscular mesomorphic body may be the most common one appearing in mass media, the prevalence of muscularity and the ways in which this body is coded characterologically in motion pictures have not been investigated. To examine this topic, a content analysis was conducted on a random sample of top-grossing action films from 1980 to 2006. Results demonstrate that actors in this genre have shown a parallel trend toward increasing leanness and muscularity over the last several decades. As well, in comparison to their less muscular counterparts, those with muscular physiques were more likely to be romantically involved, evidenced higher levels of aggression, experienced more positive outcomes, and were more likely to be objectified.

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