Does the presence of the Joseph Cotton (the detective) undermine Paula’s own agency here in her struggle of mental health?

Does the presence of the Joseph Cotton (the detective) undermine Paula’s own agency here in her struggle of mental health?

Does the audience need him to validate her as “not crazy” before we trust her? Or is it because he is a man?

Use the 1944 film “Gaslight”

5 pages

4 sources (the movie will count as one!)