The radical notion that women like good movies
I dreaded seeing this trite sexism applied to Saldana’s character, Gamora. To be fair, while she does require saving by male characters on multiple occasions, Gamora has moderately strong agency throughout, and her character is a load-bearing beam rather than a Trinity-esque distraction. If only her last lines could’ve been less deferential.
The men get the most attention for their greed and corruption. However, if we look a bit closer, the films’ women are the ones who can be traced to plant bigger, fatter seeds of avarice. This wouldn’t bother me, as I’m always in favor of more complex female characters (even if they’re unsympathetic), but what strikes me is that we barely notice these scenes. The women become victims and damsels, when oftentimes the ideas were their own.
Is this some kind of 21st century version of the femme fatale? A woman who is coercive–not only sexually, but also financially–but who isn’t taken seriously as a power player? Is it just embedded in us to not notice women’s power or ignore their parts in the narrative?
Check out the 2014 Oscar Nominees and our feminist commentary!
Added on is the fact that American Hustle is less about the hustle and more about the American dream; each character portrays ambition and insecurities in the quest for more: a better community, more money, security, power, fame, recognition, leading to that great American end, excess.
The 2014 Golden Globe nominations are here! Check out the round-up with all our feminist commentary on the nominees in film and television.
These 18 Lionhearted Heroines in literature, television, and film echo Bullet’s spirit in their own unique ways–possessing faith, valuing friendship, and experiencing unrequited love or loving and expecting nothing in return–as portrayed by the “perfectly imperfect” actresses who embody them.
In the spirit of Bullet, the quintessential Lionhearted Girl, these 18 Lionhearted Heroines each embody the same steadfast strength and selflessness that Bullet possessed.
Academy Awards Commentary: “Oscar Hosts Preferable to Seth MacFarlane: An Abbreviated List” by Robin Hitchcock “This Needs No Explanation” by Stephanie Rogers “Fun with Stats: Best Actor/Actress Nominations vs. Best Picture Nominations” by Robin Hitchcock “5 People Who Should Host the Oscars at Some Point” by Lady T “Fun with Stats: Winners of Oscars for … Continue reading “2013 Oscar Week: The Roundup”
Written by Megan Kearns. When people watch movies, they often think it’s just entertainment. That they don’t really matter. But media impacts our lives tremendously. Films reflexively shape and reflect culture. Feminist commentary is vital. It might seem like they don’t but the Oscars matter. The Oscars are the most visible celebration of filmmaking in … Continue reading “2013 Oscar Week: Feminism and the Oscars: Do This Year’s Best Picture Nominees Pass the Bechdel Test?”
Written by Rachel Redfern. This year’s nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role has the most diverse age of any Best Actress nomination field. Ever. With Emmanuelle Riva leading at the graceful age of eighty-five and Quvenzhané Wallis blooming at the energetic age of nine, can we just say, ‘Yes!’ I enjoy the Academy … Continue reading “2013 Oscar Week: Best Actress Nominee Rundown”
Written by Lady T I want to talk a little about the Oscar nominees this year. (“But, Lady T, you talk too much about the Oscars.” “Oh yeah? Your MOM talks too much about the Oscars!”) Seriously, she can’t shut up about him. Mostly, I want to talk about the Oscars in terms of … Continue reading “2013 Academy Awards Diversity Checklist”
Written by Lady T I want to talk a little about the Oscar nominees this year. (“But, Lady T, you talk too much about the Oscars.” “Oh yeah? Your MOM talks too much about the Oscars!”) Seriously, she can’t shut up about him. Mostly, I want to talk about the Oscars in terms of … Continue reading “2013 Academy Awards Diversity Checklist”
Cecil B. DeMille Award: presented to Jodie Foster “Cecil B. DeMille Award Recipient Jodie Foster: Credibility Over Celebrity” by Robin Hitchcock Lincoln: nominated for Best Picture, Drama; Best Director, Steven Spielberg; Best Actor, Drama, Daniel Day-Lewis; Best Supporting Actress, Sally Field; Best Supporting Actor, Tommy Lee Jones; Best Screenplay, Tony Kushner; Best Original Score, John … Continue reading “2013 Golden Globes Week: The Roundup”
