1. The Heroine in Film

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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!!!

9. 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…”

10. 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…

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

12. 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?

13. 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