http://www.dailydot.com/fandom/mako-mori-test-bechdel-pacific-rim/
The article above is a little bit long, but I just wanted to summarize the main points that are made through this post. I took this class because I really wanted the opportunity to discuss and analyze the roles of women in film. In recent years, films have featured more and more prominent female leads, which is a good thing. However, this does not mean that these films are exceptions to the Bechdel Test. We talked about this in class and the main point of this is to find a film where 1) Two lead female characters 2) Talk about something 3) That isn't a man. Almost no film can boast this achievement, which can be a bit disheartening for female movie-lovers. This article also mentions a new test brought about by the summer film 'Pacific Rim.' This new test was inspired by the main female character, Mako Mori, and it involves finding a film with 1) At least one female character 2) Who gets her own narrative arc 3) That is not about supporting a man's story. Pacific Rim is one of the few films that can pass this test. In fact, it was praised by many critics and viewers for this reason. However, this is not a norm in most films. It is very difficult to find not only a female character who gets her own arc in a film, but an arc that doesn't involve a man. I think these two tests prove just how male-dominated this area of pop culture is, and I believe that if films are going to try to progress in gender equality, these tests are perfect standards for which newer films should strive towards.
Wow! I had never heard of that test before and it's crazy to think of how difficult it is for a movie to pass it!
ReplyDeleteI remember reflecting on the role of the female lead, and how it didn't fit the standard Hollywood action flick troupe (where the female character exists as little more than a love interest for the male lead). However, I had know idea the film inspired a test of it's own until now. Hopefully, other action movie directors will consider the Pacific Rim approach in the future!
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting read. Because women of color get so few roles in mainstream films I think the Bechdel Test is kind of faulty in judging roles played by woc, which kind of sucks.
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