A few days ago, I saw a video about something I hadn't considered in prolly a good 20 years, The Bechdel Movie Test. The origin itself is unscientific but it does present an interesting litmus test. At least, something to consider, especially in regards to media shaping or affirming people's perception of society, gender roles, acceptance and importance.
The requirements are simple. Does the film feature 3 things:
1. Have at least two female characters who are named (waitress #2 or woman at the bar won't count)
2. Do the women talk to each other
3. Do the women talk to each other about something other than a man
You can see by this video, a lot of prominent, high budget, high grossing films Don't pass.
While I wouldn't say that this is a standard that has to be leveled across all films, the number of films that don't pass this test should be a mark of shame worth avoiding. Mainly because it's an easy fix. All it would take would be a development exec or producer or director or script doctor to ask "why can't this judge/doctor/cop/classmate/hitman/etc be a woman?"
There's the potential backlash of people fighting anything that's sends off a whiff of anything PC but it fits right in line with other questions that are raised about cost and development, (e.g. Can you combine these three characters down to one? Can we set this hotel room instead of a nightclub? Can we cut 3-5 pages out of the 2nd act? etc). I saw this article where a former UCLA film student talks about the sexist nature of Hollywood and how it refuses to change. Her experiences are her own. I don't know if how many female filmmakers share her perception or experienced the same opposition. There are so many people who leave Hollywood in a huff and then want to declare their 1st person account as proof of industry wide malfeasance. But I can attest to some of what she said is being taught both directly and indirectly. (which I can jump into later if this threads).
For now, I wanted to know if some of your personal favorites pass the Bechdel Test? If not, would changing the film to meet these requirements ruin or compromise the integrity of the film? Having learned of the Bechdal Test, how likely do you think you'd be apt to notice if a film does or doesn't pass? Finally, in assessing a film for quality, how much do you think the characterization of women play in your review? Maybe not the best wording but it could be as simple as thinking "wow, they really wasted Jodie Foster in that film." or "I was hoping they would've had more Gemma Arterton in it." Those types of things. Basically, were the women memorable?
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Originally Posted by skip
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