The Heroine in Film

What We Are Exploring… We are examining to social & historical norms and roles surrounding women in society We are looking at the context of those norms in film We are analyzing the sexual objectification of women in society and in film We are examining the development of women in film Finally, we are examining how much of this changes when using the Monomyth

Some Terms & Ideas to Consider Feminism- refers to political, cultural, and economic movements seeking greater, equal, or, among a minority, superior rights and participation in society for women and girls Machismo- an exaggerated or exhilarating sense of power or strength- in this case related to men

Context for women in film: Quote: “Film…often and anxiously envisions women stereotypically as ‘good’ mothers or ‘bad’ hysterical careerists. [In the past and today, every Hollywood woman is someone else’s Other.’ – Maggie Humm –Feminism and Film

Women in Film Women in film in 1940s and 50s reflected station in life and work  housewife, mother, subservient to man Women have historically been depicted as ‘sex objects’ Women did play important roles in films in 40s and 50s, but were likely to be shown as frightened, in need of protection, and offering love and support to lead male character

Times they are changing… Civil Rights movement of 60s and Women’s Movement of 70s helped to cement a major shift in portrayal of women in film Women’s role in house and work also helped to reflect the societal change in films Change came slow and not always dead on: for example, Princess Leia in Star Wars could wield a weapon and take charge, but still required to be saved by Luke and/or Han

1980s and women in action movies: Aliens (1986)- Sigourney Weaver playing Ripley Aliens 1986 The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2 (1991)- Linda Hamilton playing Sarah Connor Sarah Connor Terminator 2

Analysis… What do these two roles for women do for other women in film? Both of these characters have changed the way women were portrayed in film- strong, independent, and assertive in decision making w/o the need of a man But… these are some critiques of women in today’s films: Even though there has been a shift in women’s roles in film, women are still seen as sexual objects  Tits, Hair and Ass! as focal point of characters!!!

What have scholars said about women in film… Sharon Smith in Women in Film (1973) declares: Ann Kaplan writes decade later: “…Role of women almost always revolves around her physical attraction and mating games she plays with male characters…” “…women are ultimately refused a voice, a discourse, and their desire is subjected to male desire…”

Origins of Women as Sexual Objects… Where does this male perspective or point of view of viewing women as sexual objects come from? The Tits, hair, and ass syndrome described earlier. In the next slide, you will be examining a painting from the 1500s. Take a look at the painting and try and figure out how many different perspectives are in view…

How many perspectives are present in this painting? The Male Gaze How many perspectives are present in this painting?

More on the Gaze… Why is perspective so powerful? What does it do to the person watching? How can this affect the way a woman sees herself?

The Development of Women’s Role Damsel in Distress Here's Looking at you kid My Fair Lady Charlie's Angels Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon