I don't know what I want. I only know what I don't want.
-Cristina, from Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
A Feminist Thought: Women in Horror Movies
Miss Representation emailed out a video this past week discussing female roles in horror movies. It's kinds long (11 minutes) but makes some really good points. They discuss the Bechdel test (Are there two or more women, who have names, that speak to each other about anything other than a man or children?), the age of women that are evil vs. victimized, and some positive examples too.
There's a Twitter chat on the representation of women in horror films today from 1-2 pm PT, tweet to @rev_melissa and @RepresentPledge using #DamselInDistress to follow the conversation. I'm going to TRY and participate, I'll be at work then, so I may only get a few tweets in. Follow my feminist rants and ramblings at @missmarissak_.
Watch the video for more information!
Snow White and the Huntsman
Last night I finally made it to see Snow White and the Huntsman. I've been wanting to see it forever simply because I want to support a movie with two female leads. I actually rather enjoyed it, with a few odd moments in plot flow or weird acting, but it's to be expected.
In terms of the content of the movie, there were parts that I hated and parts that I loved. Let's get the negative stuff out of the way first:
1. The movie supposes that two powerful female leaders cannot possibly coexist.
2. Both women are unfathomably beautiful, and that's partially why they have so much power in the first place.
3. Snow White, while fairly independent, is still surrounded by capable men who help her out a lot. I have definite issues with delivering a message like that, but I also think it's important to support movies with women leads in them despite that - we've got to start somewhere, and can't expect perfection immediately.
The good stuff:
1. Beauty is not the most important thing about yourself - if you focus on it too much it will destroy you.
2. Value must be placed in other people's character and not their physical appearance.
3. Ultimately, femininity comes down to spirit and personal values rather than physical appearance.
I saw it yesterday and am still thinking about the complexity of feminist and feminine themes the movie addresses, so I suppose that's a sign of a movie worth watching. Check it out! And remember that you vote with your dollars - if you want to see more movies with women leads, then go see the ones already out with female leads.
A Feminist's Review of The Hunger Games
One of my favorite feminist journalism sites - The F Word - finally reviewed The Hunger Games. It's really insightful, and points out why this movie is as wonderful as it is.
Although never stated explicitly, The Hunger Games' subtext is quite clear: women are equal to men but still treated by society as underdogs.
Read the rest of the article here!
White Zombie
Wanna get in the mood for Halloween? Watch White Zombie.
This 1932 film is one of the original horror and zombie movies. While it's old, and perhaps doesn't give the typical thrill the modern horror movie does, this one certainly is creepy and worth a watch. Preferably at night, with the lights off.