Hey all,
For the time being, I'm going to just enjoy watching movies. I never get around to reviewing them, and I love them so much I never want it to become a chore. If you see a good one and want to chat about the portrayal of women in the, call me!
Brady
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
If I Were a Boy
I absolutely love this song, and I think the video is fascinating. It's not perfect (preeeettttyyyy sure it's partly an excuse to put Beyoncé in a sexy police officer uniform), but it for sure makes me think.
Not gender related, but I really hate the dialogue before and during the video. I think the song stands for itself - doesn't need to be interrupted.
Not gender related, but I really hate the dialogue before and during the video. I think the song stands for itself - doesn't need to be interrupted.
Beyonce - If I Were A Boy (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: If I Were a Boy, Beyonce
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
"Dangerous" Heroines
Again, thanks to my wonderful friend Sarah, I have a couple of good articles to post.
First read this.
And then this.
And maybe then this.
Or just read this quote that sums up both the story and my reaction:
A piece in the Denver Post [suggests that] it might be dangerous to provide young girls with misleading images of women in action movies who are too capable of defending themselves physically. Because, you see, men as a rule are apparently perfectly capable of the physical feats performed by men in action movies. [Hold for massive eye-roll.]
First read this.
And then this.
And maybe then this.
Or just read this quote that sums up both the story and my reaction:
A piece in the Denver Post [suggests that] it might be dangerous to provide young girls with misleading images of women in action movies who are too capable of defending themselves physically. Because, you see, men as a rule are apparently perfectly capable of the physical feats performed by men in action movies. [Hold for massive eye-roll.]
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Inception
I. loved. this. movie.
But, gender wise, it was disappointing. There's one cool heroine (Ariadne, played by Ellen Page) and a great villainess (Mal, played by Marion Cotillard) but it absolutely does not pass the Bechdel test. I thought for a minute it would, barely. There are exactly two named female characters, and they have exactly one conversation. But it's about guys.
What I don't get is - there are like a zillion (okay - more like 5?) supporting characters in the core cast with all kinds of cool jobs. Could we make 1 a female? Or maybe even 2? Or maybe even half? I know we can't do more than half, because then everybody would call the film a chick flick regardless of the actual content or subject matter of the film. Because only women would go and see a movie that has women in it. Duh.
Oh, and one other thing. I really like Christopher Nolan films, but I feel like he keeps doing the same thing. A male protagonist pining after a dead wife wrestles with psychological issues, and then the movie ends ambiguously. I used to think Nolan was super creative, but now I'm starting to wonder if he had one good idea that he keeps repeating.
Okay, I'm sounding grouchy. I really did love this movie, I promise.
But, gender wise, it was disappointing. There's one cool heroine (Ariadne, played by Ellen Page) and a great villainess (Mal, played by Marion Cotillard) but it absolutely does not pass the Bechdel test. I thought for a minute it would, barely. There are exactly two named female characters, and they have exactly one conversation. But it's about guys.
What I don't get is - there are like a zillion (okay - more like 5?) supporting characters in the core cast with all kinds of cool jobs. Could we make 1 a female? Or maybe even 2? Or maybe even half? I know we can't do more than half, because then everybody would call the film a chick flick regardless of the actual content or subject matter of the film. Because only women would go and see a movie that has women in it. Duh.
Oh, and one other thing. I really like Christopher Nolan films, but I feel like he keeps doing the same thing. A male protagonist pining after a dead wife wrestles with psychological issues, and then the movie ends ambiguously. I used to think Nolan was super creative, but now I'm starting to wonder if he had one good idea that he keeps repeating.
Okay, I'm sounding grouchy. I really did love this movie, I promise.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Women Authors
All the Sad Young Literary Women
I love the link above, especially the author's positive, can-do attitude at the end and his encouragement to read a variety of literature not only because it's fair but also because it's awesome!
I love the link above, especially the author's positive, can-do attitude at the end and his encouragement to read a variety of literature not only because it's fair but also because it's awesome!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Alice in Wonderland
Fabulous! What a cool movie for girls. And boys. And men and women, for that matter. I have no complaints or concerns whatsoever. Here are some gender-related thoughts I had:
- The trouble everyone has dealing with Alice's ever-varying size was interesting. She is always too big or too small. I have no idea if the film meant for that concern to be a commentary on expectations for the female appearance, but I thought it was a compelling theme. Would they be so concerned about a boy being the wrong size (particularly too BIG?) I don't know, but maybe not.
- The White Queen is a wonderful character. She is sweet and good, but just enough over the top that it goes from a stereotype to a gentle parody of a kindly princess.
- I don't care what the rest of the world says about gender not mattering, it IS easier for me to look to a brave protagonist as a role model if she's a female. Particularly, I noticed, if she's a female around my age.
- There was a lot of talk about thinking impossible thoughts. In fact, Alice needed to think these impossible thoughts in order to break free of her social obligations outside of "Underland." The film stopped just short, I think, of making Alice's turn from marriage to business too easy. The idea of dreaming impossible dreams allowed them to acknowledge just how difficult it would be for a Victorian era young woman to do what Alice does.
- This is another film where a particularly cool female character sees her dad as a role model more than she does her mother. I'd love to see a movie someday where a girl looks to her badass mom to set an example.
That's all. See this movie. You'll love it.
- The trouble everyone has dealing with Alice's ever-varying size was interesting. She is always too big or too small. I have no idea if the film meant for that concern to be a commentary on expectations for the female appearance, but I thought it was a compelling theme. Would they be so concerned about a boy being the wrong size (particularly too BIG?) I don't know, but maybe not.
- The White Queen is a wonderful character. She is sweet and good, but just enough over the top that it goes from a stereotype to a gentle parody of a kindly princess.
- I don't care what the rest of the world says about gender not mattering, it IS easier for me to look to a brave protagonist as a role model if she's a female. Particularly, I noticed, if she's a female around my age.
- There was a lot of talk about thinking impossible thoughts. In fact, Alice needed to think these impossible thoughts in order to break free of her social obligations outside of "Underland." The film stopped just short, I think, of making Alice's turn from marriage to business too easy. The idea of dreaming impossible dreams allowed them to acknowledge just how difficult it would be for a Victorian era young woman to do what Alice does.
- This is another film where a particularly cool female character sees her dad as a role model more than she does her mother. I'd love to see a movie someday where a girl looks to her badass mom to set an example.
That's all. See this movie. You'll love it.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Eclipse
These stories are probably criticized more for gender portrayal than almost any other book or film I can think of. Because I was prepared to be annoyed I actually found myself finding GOOD gender decisions in this movie. Here are some thoughts.
- I don't have a problem with Edward and Bella's young engagement. They're both young. In fact, she's older. They're just stupid teenagers - it's not sexist.
- Edward's "I would get your father's permission" speech and general chivalrous behavior are for sure annoying. But there's actually a REASON for this. He's from 100 years ago. Also, one could argue that this is a huge improvement on how modern movie boys treat women. (Superbad, for example. Come to think of it, any movie with Jonah Hill in it.)
- Edward and Jacob constantly get in each others' faces over Bella. This is annoying, no denying it. I got tired of watching Bella try to break up their fights.
- Bella is weak, no doubt about it. However, this is more excusable than it is when women are portrayed as frail in other movies, because the boys are immortal/supernatural in some way, and she is a human. The female vampires are in no way physical inferiors to the males.
- It is very cool and very rare to see a physical fight in a film between men and women or, particularly, between one man and one woman. We had both in Eclipse.
- The gender ratios in this movie are actually pretty good. There are equal numbers of female and male vampires. The werewolves are a different story, but it's very interesting that, for the first time in history, a female joins the pack. Also, the film goes out of its way to show the bravery of a woman who is not a "spirit warrior" but finds a way to use her humanness to save her husband and tribe.
- Bella's rhetoric is solid. She decides to be with Edward instead of Jacob because, in her words, she feels "strong" as part of his world. She also says that when they get married she "at least" wants to hyphenate her last name. Very interesting and very different from the book Bella who swoons over the idea of being "Mrs. Cullen."
- The movie goes out of its way to show Bella's hard-headedness.
- Bell is not eye candy for guys. She wears a flannel shirt and jeans in just about every scene. At the same time, she is the sexual initiator. Can you think of another film for teens that meets both of these criteria? I can't.
- I love creep-tastic villain leader Jane.
- This movie definitely passes the Bechdel test.
I wonder if the filmmakers were hyper conscious about these choices because of the criticism of the books.
- I don't have a problem with Edward and Bella's young engagement. They're both young. In fact, she's older. They're just stupid teenagers - it's not sexist.
- Edward's "I would get your father's permission" speech and general chivalrous behavior are for sure annoying. But there's actually a REASON for this. He's from 100 years ago. Also, one could argue that this is a huge improvement on how modern movie boys treat women. (Superbad, for example. Come to think of it, any movie with Jonah Hill in it.)
- Edward and Jacob constantly get in each others' faces over Bella. This is annoying, no denying it. I got tired of watching Bella try to break up their fights.
- Bella is weak, no doubt about it. However, this is more excusable than it is when women are portrayed as frail in other movies, because the boys are immortal/supernatural in some way, and she is a human. The female vampires are in no way physical inferiors to the males.
- It is very cool and very rare to see a physical fight in a film between men and women or, particularly, between one man and one woman. We had both in Eclipse.
- The gender ratios in this movie are actually pretty good. There are equal numbers of female and male vampires. The werewolves are a different story, but it's very interesting that, for the first time in history, a female joins the pack. Also, the film goes out of its way to show the bravery of a woman who is not a "spirit warrior" but finds a way to use her humanness to save her husband and tribe.
- Bella's rhetoric is solid. She decides to be with Edward instead of Jacob because, in her words, she feels "strong" as part of his world. She also says that when they get married she "at least" wants to hyphenate her last name. Very interesting and very different from the book Bella who swoons over the idea of being "Mrs. Cullen."
- The movie goes out of its way to show Bella's hard-headedness.
- Bell is not eye candy for guys. She wears a flannel shirt and jeans in just about every scene. At the same time, she is the sexual initiator. Can you think of another film for teens that meets both of these criteria? I can't.
- I love creep-tastic villain leader Jane.
- This movie definitely passes the Bechdel test.
I wonder if the filmmakers were hyper conscious about these choices because of the criticism of the books.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Salt quote from Vanity Fair
"Salt was developed with a male actor in mind, specifically Tom Cruise, who was attached to play C.I.A. operative Edwin Salt. After Cruise...took a pass, the script found its way to [Angelina] Jolie. Writing for a man, then swapping gender, is, as it turns out, the best way to create an utterly liberated hero, a character with none of the tropes that writers, even if they don't mean to, fall back on when creating a role for a woman."
Super interesting. If I were a screenwriter, I would try this as a tactic to make my characters nuanced and unexpected.
I'll definitely need to see this movie.
Super interesting. If I were a screenwriter, I would try this as a tactic to make my characters nuanced and unexpected.
I'll definitely need to see this movie.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Date Night
This is a movie about marriage, above all else. And a really solid, fun, true-to-life one at that.
The premise is: a middle-aged, happily married couple from New Jersey begins to doubt if they have enough excitement in their lives. That worry is quickly put to rest when, during a dinner in the city, they are mistaken for a different couple with lives that you might call TOO exciting.
What I really loved about this film is the nature of the marriage they portray. This couple tries really, really hard to be good to one other. They schedule a regular date night and GO despite being so exhausted they can hardly stay awake. They somehow manage to be funny and still talk nicely to each other. They have sweet little traditions. Etc. When their adventure begins, then, they are already a team, ready to take on whatever comes their way. One perfectly representative moment involves each of them driving a getaway car at the same time (also the cars are connected...you have to see it, I guess). They also each get a chance to shine in different instances. Claire (Tina Fey), at one point, wraps her husband Phil's (Steve Carell) coat around her hand and punches through a glass door to get information off of a computer. And Phil bravely orchestrates the final showdown that gets the bad guys arrested.
But they're not Mr. and Mrs. Smith, here. They also both also have moments of indignity and panic. After keeping his wits about him and getting himself and his wife out of a deserted boathouse, Phil vomits in the street. Likewise, Claire has a couple of freak-outs Phil has to talk her down from. And a scene where they BOTH have to do an erotic dance is priceless.
I also love that it's a tired female police officer that figures out exactly what's going on and saves the day. Not only did it mean a good role for a good actress that could have easily, EASILY been written for a man, but it also drove home the point that this movie is about regular men AND regular women doing the best they can. Just like real life.
(Let me just pause and wonder out loud of we have Tina Fey to thank for a lot of these decisions. Her presence alone in a film seems to almost guarantee a more equitable and realistic portrayal of females.)
Finally, what made this film moving to me way beyond what I expected was Steve Carell's character. He is just an excellent husband. Phil Foster subtly demonstrates love and consideration for his wife and family at every turn. For example, he goes to Claire's book club and participates wholeheartedly, only to find out later that she doesn't even read the books! And toward the end of the film, when he gives a monologue about wanting to do more around the house and with the kids and wanting to be seen as useful, not incompetent, it is just pitch perfect. That moment made me think, "Damn. There are some really good men in the world."
Also, at least when Fey and Carell are involved, there seem to be some really funny movies.
The premise is: a middle-aged, happily married couple from New Jersey begins to doubt if they have enough excitement in their lives. That worry is quickly put to rest when, during a dinner in the city, they are mistaken for a different couple with lives that you might call TOO exciting.
What I really loved about this film is the nature of the marriage they portray. This couple tries really, really hard to be good to one other. They schedule a regular date night and GO despite being so exhausted they can hardly stay awake. They somehow manage to be funny and still talk nicely to each other. They have sweet little traditions. Etc. When their adventure begins, then, they are already a team, ready to take on whatever comes their way. One perfectly representative moment involves each of them driving a getaway car at the same time (also the cars are connected...you have to see it, I guess). They also each get a chance to shine in different instances. Claire (Tina Fey), at one point, wraps her husband Phil's (Steve Carell) coat around her hand and punches through a glass door to get information off of a computer. And Phil bravely orchestrates the final showdown that gets the bad guys arrested.
But they're not Mr. and Mrs. Smith, here. They also both also have moments of indignity and panic. After keeping his wits about him and getting himself and his wife out of a deserted boathouse, Phil vomits in the street. Likewise, Claire has a couple of freak-outs Phil has to talk her down from. And a scene where they BOTH have to do an erotic dance is priceless.
I also love that it's a tired female police officer that figures out exactly what's going on and saves the day. Not only did it mean a good role for a good actress that could have easily, EASILY been written for a man, but it also drove home the point that this movie is about regular men AND regular women doing the best they can. Just like real life.
(Let me just pause and wonder out loud of we have Tina Fey to thank for a lot of these decisions. Her presence alone in a film seems to almost guarantee a more equitable and realistic portrayal of females.)
Finally, what made this film moving to me way beyond what I expected was Steve Carell's character. He is just an excellent husband. Phil Foster subtly demonstrates love and consideration for his wife and family at every turn. For example, he goes to Claire's book club and participates wholeheartedly, only to find out later that she doesn't even read the books! And toward the end of the film, when he gives a monologue about wanting to do more around the house and with the kids and wanting to be seen as useful, not incompetent, it is just pitch perfect. That moment made me think, "Damn. There are some really good men in the world."
Also, at least when Fey and Carell are involved, there seem to be some really funny movies.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Toy Story 3
Okay, Okay, nice work Pixar! You're not perfect, but I think you're trying!
The low-down. This is a really sweet, fun movie. It's also the film I'd least recommend to anyone going off to college this fall or to somebody with a child who's leaving home. It'll break your heart.
It's still a boy-dominated franchise (in any given scene, do a quick head count of the number of males and females on screen), but I think Pixar's really making an effort here. The movie opens with an imaginary show-down between Woody and Mr. Potato Head. Predictable. But wait! Immediately, Mrs. Potato Head and then Jessie jump into the scene. Yes! It almost, ALMOST felt like the filmmakers were sending a shout-out to the many people like me who have been concerned with the lack of a female presence in their films.
Another moment that was particularly meaningful from a gender perspective was Woody's first experience at Bonnie's house. It begins with her holding a tea party for him and her other dolls. I thought, "Oh brother, here we go." Do you remember how dismissive the first movie was about Molly's tea parties? But, in 3, Pixar handles this brilliantly. Bonnie holds a tea party, but it quickly segues into an escape from an evil witch and then a space adventure. With this one decision, Pixar shows us that they have a much more nuanced view of how little girls actually play than they have previously demonstrated.
Finally, (major spoiler alert here), the fact that Andy passes his beloved dolls on to Bonnie is a huge step. Pixar, in a sense, passes the torch on to a female (10, even 5, years ago I have an inkling they would have written Bonnie's character as a boy). It also sends the message that toys are toys, fun is fun, and imagination is imagination. Play doesn't have to be gendered.
Also, two small points:
1) I like that Jessie's taller than Buzz.
2) I love the computer geek dinosaur Trixie!
A couple of complaints. (Of course.)
They introduce some new female characters, but they also bring in at least as many, probably more, male ones. All of the villains are male, for example. Even the potentially gender-neutral "big baby" is identified by masculine pronouns.
Ken is hilarious. I'll grant them that. But I think they went a little too far with the "I'm not a girl's toy!" vibe.
I could have used a little more involvement from human fathers. The only people who interact with kids in this story are women.
Definite progress for Pixar. I hear they're coming out with a princess movie next. Very interested to see how they do with that.
The low-down. This is a really sweet, fun movie. It's also the film I'd least recommend to anyone going off to college this fall or to somebody with a child who's leaving home. It'll break your heart.
It's still a boy-dominated franchise (in any given scene, do a quick head count of the number of males and females on screen), but I think Pixar's really making an effort here. The movie opens with an imaginary show-down between Woody and Mr. Potato Head. Predictable. But wait! Immediately, Mrs. Potato Head and then Jessie jump into the scene. Yes! It almost, ALMOST felt like the filmmakers were sending a shout-out to the many people like me who have been concerned with the lack of a female presence in their films.
Another moment that was particularly meaningful from a gender perspective was Woody's first experience at Bonnie's house. It begins with her holding a tea party for him and her other dolls. I thought, "Oh brother, here we go." Do you remember how dismissive the first movie was about Molly's tea parties? But, in 3, Pixar handles this brilliantly. Bonnie holds a tea party, but it quickly segues into an escape from an evil witch and then a space adventure. With this one decision, Pixar shows us that they have a much more nuanced view of how little girls actually play than they have previously demonstrated.
Finally, (major spoiler alert here), the fact that Andy passes his beloved dolls on to Bonnie is a huge step. Pixar, in a sense, passes the torch on to a female (10, even 5, years ago I have an inkling they would have written Bonnie's character as a boy). It also sends the message that toys are toys, fun is fun, and imagination is imagination. Play doesn't have to be gendered.
Also, two small points:
1) I like that Jessie's taller than Buzz.
2) I love the computer geek dinosaur Trixie!
A couple of complaints. (Of course.)
They introduce some new female characters, but they also bring in at least as many, probably more, male ones. All of the villains are male, for example. Even the potentially gender-neutral "big baby" is identified by masculine pronouns.
Ken is hilarious. I'll grant them that. But I think they went a little too far with the "I'm not a girl's toy!" vibe.
I could have used a little more involvement from human fathers. The only people who interact with kids in this story are women.
Definite progress for Pixar. I hear they're coming out with a princess movie next. Very interested to see how they do with that.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I must be on a Pixar kick.
I went to see Toy Story 3 yesterday. I'll write a review soon, but I got kind of interested in what other people are saying about females in Pixar films.
This post makes me want to quit blogging, it's so good.
This post makes me want to quit blogging, it's so good.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wild Idea of the Day
I'm often met with the argument that little things like whether a protagonist is female or male just don't make an impact on real individuals' lives. Those who make this argument believe that people are people and that girls can look up to men as role models, boys can look up to women, etc. The individuals who hold this viewpoint are also the ones who argue that it's no big deal if brides take their husbands' last names or that little girls wear pink and little boys wear blue. According to them, these subtle messages just don't have an influence on our lives.
I respect and understand this viewpoint. I kind of admire the idealism it represents. People who make this argument are saying that we are strong, tough, independent individuals who don't let anybody tell us what we can and can't do. But I disagree.
Here's some evidence to support my point.
I just read an article by a very smart, very respected economist that compared 500 or so sets of sisters on their likelihood of taking advanced math and science classes in high school. The shocking finding is this: Girls with more feminine first names were less likely to take these advanced courses than their sisters with less feminine names.
The idea is that having a feminine name either makes others treat you as more "girly" OR makes you think of yourself as less "into" traditionally male-dominated subjects (or both). Remember that these findings occur within individual families. So, there are no background differences between these girls - they have the same parents, grew up in the same houses, and go to the same schools. The only difference is how feminine their names are.
I truly, truly believe that messages about who we are supposed to be as men and women are everywhere. I believe we internalize them and make a lot of our decisions according to them. And since I hate limitations and pigeonholes, I believe that if we heard a greater variety of messages, we would be happier, healthier, and have lives that better fit who we really are.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pixar & Garden State Discussions
If you're a Pixar or Garden State fan, you might want to check out a fun back-and-forth my smart and movie savvy friend Mike and I are having. Head to this post on Up or this one on Garden State to check it out!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Write the future
This is a really cool commercial. I can appreciate a good commercial.
I liked this one so much I called my husband over to the computer last night and made him check it out. Then I joked, "I'm glad the World Cup is giving us an extra opportunity to worship 18- to 22-year-old men this year."
Now, I don't begrudge people their sports (often... ;). But have you ever seen a commercial like this about female athletes? I haven't. I'd love to.
I liked this one so much I called my husband over to the computer last night and made him check it out. Then I joked, "I'm glad the World Cup is giving us an extra opportunity to worship 18- to 22-year-old men this year."
Now, I don't begrudge people their sports (often... ;). But have you ever seen a commercial like this about female athletes? I haven't. I'd love to.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The Bechdel Test
Wow. Wow. Wow. How did I not know about this?
Also, this:
http://bechdeltest.com/
Also THIS! I need to meet this young lady. She even goes to my old college!
http://thebechdeltest.blogspot.com/
Thank you to my wonderful friend Sarah for pointing out these sites to me!
Also, this:
http://bechdeltest.com/
Also THIS! I need to meet this young lady. She even goes to my old college!
http://thebechdeltest.blogspot.com/
Thank you to my wonderful friend Sarah for pointing out these sites to me!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
10 Chick Flick Cliches
This is pretty funny, first of all. Secondly, it's an interesting marketing strategy to convince guys to see a "chick flick." (I'm sure you can guess how I feel about that term, though.) Finally, this kind of speaks to the point of my last post about how movies that are overly traditional when it comes to gender tend not to be that creative when it comes to other important aspects of the film.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thoughts on Lost
I watch Lost. I'm not the kind of fan who thinks and talks about it all the time, though. I don't love it. In fact, I only like it. I like it just enough to stick with it until the finale in a couple of weeks. If the show was going to go on for another year, I'd be out.
Lost is not a movie. But I had an epiphany last night as I watched it that has to do with the portrayal of women and girls in film.
I think Lost is guilty of some pretty obnoxious gender portrayal. The show is dominated by white males to an embarrassing extent. And women tend to have two defining qualities in Lost's world: long flowing hair (because that's totally practical on a dangerous tropical island) and baby fever. Oh, and low-cut, sweaty shirts.
What hit me during the most recent episode (in which we were introduced to two NEW long-haired, baby crazy women and learned that two white brothers are the universal embodiments of good and evil) is this: I have yet to view a truly high-quality tv show or movie that is thoughtless about the portrayal of gender.
Here's what I mean by that. First, Lost is less of a show because women are represented poorly. It makes the characters less realistic and the relationships between them less believable.
And second, an unthinking, overly traditional portrayal of women and girls signals, I believe, that the creators of a show or movie aren't paying attention to detail the way they need to in order to make their work truly excellent. I see examples of this kind of laziness in Lost all the time. And many of these examples have nothing to do with gender. Some of the sets look fake, for one. And the dialogue often gets sloppy and obvious. There's also plot padding. (I remember one season that seemed to consist entirely of Michael criss-crossing the island yelling "Walt!")
I think the quality of gender portrayal in television or film is a good indicator of a lot of things: how nuanced a set of characters will be, how much time and research will go into a set and a script, and, in the end, whether a film/tv show will be a masterpiece or a missed opportunity.
Lost is not a movie. But I had an epiphany last night as I watched it that has to do with the portrayal of women and girls in film.
I think Lost is guilty of some pretty obnoxious gender portrayal. The show is dominated by white males to an embarrassing extent. And women tend to have two defining qualities in Lost's world: long flowing hair (because that's totally practical on a dangerous tropical island) and baby fever. Oh, and low-cut, sweaty shirts.
What hit me during the most recent episode (in which we were introduced to two NEW long-haired, baby crazy women and learned that two white brothers are the universal embodiments of good and evil) is this: I have yet to view a truly high-quality tv show or movie that is thoughtless about the portrayal of gender.
Here's what I mean by that. First, Lost is less of a show because women are represented poorly. It makes the characters less realistic and the relationships between them less believable.
And second, an unthinking, overly traditional portrayal of women and girls signals, I believe, that the creators of a show or movie aren't paying attention to detail the way they need to in order to make their work truly excellent. I see examples of this kind of laziness in Lost all the time. And many of these examples have nothing to do with gender. Some of the sets look fake, for one. And the dialogue often gets sloppy and obvious. There's also plot padding. (I remember one season that seemed to consist entirely of Michael criss-crossing the island yelling "Walt!")
I think the quality of gender portrayal in television or film is a good indicator of a lot of things: how nuanced a set of characters will be, how much time and research will go into a set and a script, and, in the end, whether a film/tv show will be a masterpiece or a missed opportunity.
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