Feminist Law and Film: Searching for Imagery of Justice in Popular Culture

This Essay contains a close reading of a contemporary film, Pedro Almodvar's High Heels, as offering a radical and feminist alternative to that of Solomonic justice, which dominates our Judeo-Christian heritage. The Essay explores the imagery of a newly developing legal-feminist concept, "caring justice," employing the inter-disciplinary methodology of feminist law and film. This approach suggests that the postmodern cinematic imagery presented here transcends the apparent dichotomy between "radical" feminism focused on patriarchal oppression and dominance, and feminist thought focused on an ethic of care. The approach invites a multiplicity of judicial imagery that is differently responsive and responsible. Creation of such a judiciary pantheon radically challenges contemporary concepts of justice.