The radical notion that women like good movies
It’s fascinating to see complex women characters who aren’t just good or just bad–aren’t just virgins or just whores. When we can have the same kind of conflicted and uncomfortable feelings for female characters that we do their male counterparts, that’s excellent (and feminist) writing.
The Fall is one of 2013’s television success stories. The five-part BBC crime drama is a compelling, well-crafted production with a fine cast and a terrific lead performance by Gillian Anderson. Set in present-day Belfast–and also shot on location in the Northern Ireland capital–The Fall chronicles the police hunt for a serial killer of attractive, professional women in their thirties. It is created and written by Allan Cubitt–who scripted Prime Suspect 2 (1992, UK)–and directed by Jakob Verbruggen.
Let me begin by saying I’m queer-identified. I have trans* family, but it’s impossible for me to speak for trans* people of experience. I can share concepts, however. Too, my general line of thought in terms of sexuality, gender identity or personhood is that no matter how often your definition changes, you “are” what you tell me that you are.
In two and a half minutes, this fan trailer makes the case for Wonder Woman being compelling to watch both in the modern world and in her mythical origins. Actress Rileah Vanderbilt conveys a lot of Diana’s personality without the benefit of dialogue, and convincingly throws down with a gang of criminals AND gigantic minotaurs [note for non-geeks: Wonder Woman is at least as strong as Superman. It is supposed to look relatively effortless when she smacks thuggish men out of her way. The fight choreography here manages to convey that even with Wonder Woman’s punches and jabs looking genuinely forceful]. The modern-day setting has the gritty urban feel that DC movies seem to have settled on as a brand, and this Wonder Woman doesn’t look out of place there.
Written by Max Thornton. “At the height of the Great Depression, eleven ironworkers sit side by side on a steel beam, eating lunch. Central Park stretches out behind them as they rest, boots dangling eight hundred feet over the sidewalk of Fiftieth Street. Just a bunch of regular guys. Just another working day.” What makes … Continue reading “The Ones We Forget: ‘Men At Lunch’”
The Legend of Korra Book 2 promotional poster. Written by Erin Tatum. Let me start by saying that I love Avatar: The Last Airbender. I’ve watched it since its original run in 2005 and I continue to re-watch it. The themes are relatable and they always will be. Yes, it’s a kids’ show, but it has … Continue reading “Why ‘The Legend of Korra’ is (Still) a Feminist’s Headache”
Movie still from Legend of the Red Reaper This is a guest post by Aphrodite Kocięda. When actress Tara Cardinal initially approached me and asked if I could write a review for her new film, Legend of the Red Reaper, I was a bit hesitant. I have never really been fond of films that are hyper-masculine and … Continue reading “Why We Need More Women Filmmakers: A Review of ‘Legend of the Red Reaper’”
Stephanie Rogers Co-Founder and Managing Editor Stephanie grew up in Middletown, Ohio, one of America’s top ten fastest dying towns, according to Forbes Magazine. In 2003, she received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from The Ohio State University, where she also won the Citino Undergraduate Poetry … Continue reading “Staff”
Masthead for Chicana From Chicago, Christine Davila’s blog This is a guest post by Christine Davila. If you hear someone utter, “Kids These Days,” it’s usually in a disapproving tone toward the younger generations’ fresh attitude or their breaking with tradition (or their tendency to speed while driving). When I think about Kids These … Continue reading “Millenials These Days”
Girls on Film: How women were written out of film history by Monika Bartyzel at The Week An Open Letter to Joss Whedon: I’m Not Asking for More Female Superheroes, I’m Demanding Them by Celeste Mora and xoJane New Film In a World… Gives Winning Voice to, Well, Women’s Voices by Andi Zeisler at Bitch … Continue reading “Bitch Flicks’ Weekly Picks”
Girls on Film: How women were written out of film history by Monika Bartyzel at The Week An Open Letter to Joss Whedon: I’m Not Asking for More Female Superheroes, I’m Demanding Them by Celeste Mora and xoJane New Film In a World… Gives Winning Voice to, Well, Women’s Voices by Andi Zeisler at Bitch … Continue reading “Bitch Flicks Weekly Picks”
Farewell, My Queen Written by Erin Tatum. Farewell, My Queen has been on my to-watch list for a while. I’m a sucker for the opulence and pretty costumes of period pieces. Really, you could assemble the worst cast imaginable and I’d probably still watch to drool over the outfits. The narrative chronicles events in Versailles … Continue reading “Queer Infatuation in ‘Farewell, My Queen’”
