Feminism in Film: The Little Mermaid

For my other Feminism in Film posts, go here.

Initial Thoughts
I love many of the songs from The Little Mermaid. They're great for sing alongs!

The Critique

It should be noted that Ariel is the first princess to dream about something other than a man. She sings about walking on land, not of finding true love. Go girl! But...the only reason she seeks an actual change is because she sees Eric and wants to be with him. Which is not so great. Also, Eric wasn't the one spying on Ariel. She spies on him! Definitely a change from the previous movies. However, I'm really tired of Disney couples becoming madly in love when they don't even know each other's names. This is so not realistic.

Ariel's relationship with her father is also worth noting. He is very restrictive on where she is allowed to go and what she is allowed to do. Symbol of the our repressive patriarchal society? Possibly. Ariel dreams of a different world and her father won't allow her to follow her dreams. That's some bad parenting right there.

Oh, look! Still no female friendships!

Ursula definitely falls under the category of Evil Demon Seductress, which is a common trope. While Ursula may not be traditionally sexy at first, she transforms herself into Vanessa. Vanessa then proceeds to manipulate and seduce Eric.

White washing. But a Jamaican crab? I also don't care for the stereotyped French chef. I mean, come on.

She is known for her singing voice, which is at least a skill. The previous princesses were only known for their beauty. But let's get right down to the biggest problem: Ariel trades her voice for legs. She gives up her right to speak. She is a woman who has been silenced. Ursula actually has lines that include "you have your looks, your pretty face, and don't underestimate the importance of body language", and that men "prefer for girls not to say a word...it's she who holds her tongue that gets the man". SO MANY PROBLEMS.  A woman should never have to change for a man.

Eric is the one who ultimately destroys Ursula. So once again, the princess doesn't save herself.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Ariel, Ursula)
*who talk to each other? YES
*about something other than men? NO
Their only conversation takes place when they strike a bargain to turn Ariel into a human so she can get Eric. Ursula gives her some tips on how to get a man - mainly, don't talk.

Final Rating
Two and a Half Stars

Feminism in Film: Sleeping Beauty

For my other Feminism in Film posts, go here.

Initial Thoughts
I honestly could not remember anything about this movie. I wasn't really looking forward to watching it, either. But it was the next movie in our line-up, so off we went!

The Critique
The three fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, bestow gifts upon the baby princess- beauty ("hair of sunshine gold and lips red as the rose"), song, and true love's kiss will break the sleeping curse. The latter is a very practical gift and I like that a woman did what she could to save another woman. However I don't understand why beauty must be a qualification to be a princess. Why couldn't the fairies have made sure Aurora was intelligent? Or curious?

So why does Maleficent cast a curse on Aurora? Because she wasn't invited to a party and she was jealous of a baby's beauty. Seriously? Don't these high-powered women have anything better to concern themselves with? And why can't the women stop hating on other women?

The fairies take Aurora away to raise her, which I like. Three women working together to rise a child!

I think the pink/blue debate for Aurora's dress is great. Merryweather challenges traditional gender stereotypes!

Aurora is betrothed to a young Prince Phillip. Not a fan of betrothals! I know that in this movie they ultimately end up together, but why did they have to be forced together by their parents? Shouldn't their children be allowed to choose their spouse?

When do Aurora and Phillip meet (after their initial meeting when they were betrothed)? He spies her singing in the forest and goes up to her. He says they met "once upon a dream". CREEPY. STALKER. STRANGER DANGER.

COME ON PRINCESSES. GET IT TOGETHER.

Aurora knows absolutely nothing about Phillip! She won't even tell him her name! He asks when he can see her again, and she says "never"! NO MEANS NO.

Prince Phillip saves her. These princesses need to start learning how to save themselves.

Also, white washing. White washing everywhere.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Aurora, Maleficent, Flora, Fauna, Merryweather)
*who talk to each other? YES 
*about something other than men? YES (fairies discuss how to save Aurora)
This is the first Disney princess movie with more than one "good" female character. It's refreshing to finally see a change! The fairies want to protect Aurora, and do everything in their power to keep her safe from harm. Ultimately, they fail. But to err is human.

Final Rating
Two Stars

Feminism in Film: Cinderella

For the rest of my Feminism in Film Posts, go here.

Initial Thoughts
The is my other sister's favorite movie! We're going through them all in order.

The Critique
Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella hate on Cinderella. Why? Because Cinderella is kind, sweet, classy, and beautiful. Lady Tremaine allows her daughters to sabotage Cinderella's dress and then locks her in the tower. There's some Queen/Snow White dynamics going on here. Granted, Lady Tremaine isn't as brutal as The Queen. But still. Cinderella is cast into non-existence because she is a good person.

However, I don't really understand why Anastasia and Drizella need to be unattractive physically. Over and over again, we are given examples of how unattractive their personalities are. So Cinderella is the only one who is allowed to be beautiful? Why can't these women be solely evaluated based on their character?

The only female friendship is between the Fairy Godmother and Cinderella. All the other women gang up on her. I really wish the princesses had friends who weren't animals. It's just not very practical.

Whitewashing, again. No people of color here!

In this movie, the prince actually gets to talk to Cinderella. Which is a vast improvement from Snow White's prince. But still. He wants to marry her after a few hours! Not exactly realistic.

Cinderella doesn't save herself. She relies on two male mice to retrieve the key to her locked tower bedroom. And then she is safe from her wicked stepmother by marrying the king.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, and Drizella)
*who talk to each other? YES
*about something other than men? YES (usually chores, also Cinderella's presence at the ball)
I don't really know why these women are so bitter towards the princesses.

Final Rating
Two Stars

Feminism in Film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

For my other Feminism in Film posts, go here.

Initial Thoughts
This is one of my sister's favorite movies. I've never liked it. But I decided to give it a go!

The Critique
The Queen is highly obsessed with beauty. She goes so far as attempted murder so she can remain the most beautiful in the land. I really don't like the way this movie portrays older women: terrified of turning old. I understand that both men and women do not enjoy some of the effects of aging, but it isn't  the only thing on their minds. Why can't we see The Queen ruling her kingdom? Why can't we see her dealing with Kings and Queens from neighboring realms?

On a similar note, Snow White is only known for her beauty. I understand that this is to be taken as a compliment, but she does have other qualities. Her entire purpose should not be reduced to her appearance. She is incredibly kind (she takes the "killing with kindness" thought quite seriously) and very good with both people and animals. Why couldn't we focus on that? On that note, however, Snow White's only way to make a livelihood is by cooking and cleaning. She conveniently fits into the housewife stereotype.

This movie is so incredibly white washed. Not a single character of color. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because of when this movie was released, but still.

So...the prince. A bit of a stalker? He spies her over a giant wall, leaps in, SCARES HER, and then proclaims his love for her. Also, he's the only one who can save her. White Knight complex? Damsel in Distress?

Two words: STRANGER DANGER.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Snow White, The Queen)
*who talk to each other? YES
*about something other than men? YES (delicious apples)
So the only time Snow White and The Queen actually talk to each other is when The Queen disguises herself as an old woman so she can poison Snow White. Not exactly female friendly... To that extent, there are NO female friendships in this movie! Of the only two female characters, one is trying (desperately) to kill the other!

Final Rating

Two Stars

Feminism in Film: Moonrise Kingdom

For more Feminism in Film, go here.

I just finished watching the Wes Anderson's film "Moonrise Kingdom". What a wonderfully charming movie! It is the first of his films that I've seen, but I'm definitely looking into the others.

Initial Thoughts
I heard lots of good things about this film from various people, mostly that it's a fun little movie. Which it was! I love that the scout group is called the "Khaki Scouts". Hi-larious.

The Critique
Overall, I enjoyed it. I kinda wish there was a female scout group because I think the similarities/differences between the two would have been really entertaining. Oh well, small potatoes.

I didn't particularly care for the scene in which Suzy and Sam dance and make-out on the beach. Maybe because they were in their underwear? I think I understand Anderson's intentions with the scene (firstly being that it's awkward, as are everyone's first encounters, and secondly being that these kids were exploring their sexualities). But still it left me unsettled. I don't really feel like it was necessary.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Suzy, Laura Bishop)
*who talk to each other? YES (I should hope so-they're mother and daughter!)
*about something other than men? YES
          There was one scene, when Laura gives Suzy a bath. Suzy says she hates her mother and Laura talks about the hopelessness/uncertainty she feels in her own life. Frankly, I thought it was an interesting (and short) scene. I liked that Laura expressed her dissatisfaction with her home life and her choice to have an affair. I liked that Suzy openly displayed her feelings toward her mother. Good stuff. I wish conversations that real happened more often in film.

Final Rating
Three Stars

Fun times. Now off to watch Star Wars!

Feminism in Film: Braveheart

My next post in my reviews of Best Picture winning films! See all posts in this series here.

Photo Credit

Initial Thoughts
This film is long. Three hours long. Now, I’m no stranger to long films (Gone With the Wind is my favorite and I’ve seen Cloud Atlas twice), but Braveheart was too long. Also blood. Blood everywhere.

The Critique
In Braveheart, the English King Edward I decides to bring back Primae Noctis. That’s when a common Scottish girl gets married and British lords have the right to have sex with her on her wedding night. Let’s be real here.  Old men get to rape a young girl because they’re on a big power trip. A quick google search proves that not only is the concept of Primae Noctis most likely a myth, but the English certainly never enforced it on Scotland. So...rape makes a compelling plot point? The story was a little boring so let’s liven it up a bit with rape? 

Rape appears to be a catalyst for this movie. Mel Gibson's character Wilson marries Murron, who dies just 45 minutes into the movie. Some English soldiers are attracted to her and attempt to rape her. But she fights back! Yay! And then her throat is slit to attract Wilson's attention.

Princess Isabelle of France is sent by the King to discuss terms of a surrender. Wilson is shocked at the thought of having this conversation with her and she says, "Will you speak with a woman?" Apparently that little question sparked a romance between the two, for later on they have sex and Isabelle conceives his child. But isn't he in love with Murron? Isn't that really what all of these battles are about? Whatevs, man, Wilson had the opportunity to get laid and he took it.

When Isabelle returns from speaking with Wilson, the King asks if she gave him the money. When she replied that it was donated, the King laughed and said "That's what happens when you send a woman".  Quite the subtle (note the sarcasm) jab about women's roles. Can't trust a woman to do anything important, am I right?

Also...this film had an all white cast. I'm not up to date on my history of Scotland, but that can't be right.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Princess Isabelle, Murron)
*who talk to each other? NO
*about something other than men? N/A
            The women never speak to each other. The women are completely alone in a film that celebrates the triumph of masculinity. For god's sake, the final image of film is a sword. Phallic much?

Final Rating
0 stars

Awful movie.

Feminism in Film: Crash

My next post in my reviews of Best Picture winning films! See all posts in this series here.

Photo Credit

Initial Thoughts
I saw this film once several years ago. The only things I really remembered is that this film is about racism and there is a little girl. After seeing it again, I have incredibly mixed feelings.

The Critique
Good lord, the racism! The film's message (everyone is racist) was driven home over and over. I feel like it didn't have to be so intense, nor do I think this is how the majority of people actually behave. Furthermore, the film didn't have much to say about what needs to be done differently. The feeling I'm left with is that we're all screwed because everyone judges everyone based on the color of their skin.

There were also men and women of color. Which is great. Except for the fact that this film necessitated men and women of color. It wasn't that Loretta Devine was by far the best actress for her role. It's that Shaniqua needed to be a black woman with an incredibly stereotypical name. Not only are the characters' actions in this film racist, but the characters themselves are stereotyped. Come on. The white woman who is terrified of black men? The young black men who are "gang bangers"? The Latino man working as a locksmith? I feel like everyone thinks this film is so important because it is so brutally honest about race. Which it is. No one avoids race here. But that was so obviously the point, that it's absurd.

Also. Can we talk about the scene in which Thandie Newton's character is sexually assaulted? What the hell.

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Elizabeth, Jean, Shaniqua, Ria, Karen, Christine)
*who talk to each other? MEH...
*about something other than men? MEH...
            Yes, there were named women. But I had to look their names up online because the majority of them weren't mentioned often enough to remember. This is partly the fault of having such a large cast. But do these women talk to each other? BARELY. I counted only three conversations between women in this film. The first, was before either character was named and it lasted maybe 10 seconds. The next, was between Jean (played by Sandra Bullock) and her housekeeper, Maria. The two briefly chat about Jean's son (doesn't count. He's a man.) before moving on to the dishes for two seconds. BUT THEN. There is a "tender" moment in which Jean embraces Maria and declares her "my best friend". Which frankly is ground-breaking. A white woman is best friends with her Latina housekeeper?! Shocking! But Maria doesn't say a word! This relationship (and conversation) is completely one sided! Ultimately, I am saying NO, this film does not pass the Bechdel Test.

Final Rating
One star

So far, these Best Picture winners are not faring so well!

Feminism in Film: Shakespeare in Love

Each week, I'll be watching and reviewing one Oscar winning Best Picture film. I wanted to go in order by year, but I'm limited to what's immediately available on Netflix because there is no Blockbuster near me at school.

Reviewing, that is, in terms of feminism and if the film passes the Bechdel Test. What is the Bechdel Test? In order to pass, a film must have at least two named women who talk to each other about something other than men.

First up? Shakespeare in Love!

Initial Thoughts
I have always loved this film. As a theatre major who loves Shakespeare, this film is wonderful. Full of references to his works. Also, Joseph Fiennes is fiercely attractive and Gwyneth Paltrow is excellent.

The Critique
Shakespeare in Love definitely highlights a noble woman's responsibility during Queen Elizabeth's reign. In one scene between Lord Wessex and Viola's father, Wessex asks if Viola is obedient, the reply is "As any mule in Christendom - but if you are the man to ride her, there are rubies in the saddlebag". How awful! The two men also discuss whether she will breed. Disgusting. But, this type of conversation was commonplace at the time. Queen Elizabeth refers to Viola as being "plucked", meaning she is no longer a virgin. I for one am glad that no one actually says that anymore. As if virginity is the only thing a woman has to offer a man.

But there is something to be said for a woman pretending to be a male actor. It's a brilliant play on Shakespeare's comedies, for women were always pretending to be men. Viola was not allowed to be an actor, so she pretended to be a man. I love Queen Elizabeth's quote, "I know something of a woman in a man's profession. Yes, by God, I do know about that". Pure brilliance.  

The Bechdel Test
*two named women? YES (Rosaline, Queen Elizabeth, Viola)
*who talk to each other? YES (Queen Elizabeth and Viola)
*about something other than men? MEH... 
        I'm on the fence about this last part. Yes, Queen Elizabeth and Viola talk to each other, in the one conversation between two women. They have a brief conversation about whether a play can truly depict the nature of love. Do they talk about men? No. But they talk about love. To me, that's basically the same thing. Viola is directly referencing her relationship with Shakespeare, who is a man. During Elizabethan times, love was strictly between a man and a woman. So while technically no men are mentioned during this exceptionally brief conversation, I am ultimately saying NO, this film does not pass the Bechdel Test.

Final Rating
Two stars

More named women who have lengthy conversations, please! I sure do hope the other Oscar winners fare better.