3rd. Article in our 5-week series on The Next Generation of Films for Women
It’s common knowledge that men and women differ somewhat when it comes to what to watch at the cinema. Men like action and sci-fi, women like romantic comedies and dramas. But the majority of us know these are just clichés. Men and women like a range of genres, not just the assigned stereotypical ones. However there is a problem when it comes to female driven movies that aim to be something more than just the usual superficial films that we expect.
According to a Jennifer Kesler, a writer for the website The Hathor Legacy (a great website that discuses women’s roles in the media industry), says writers in film schools are encouraged to focus on white, straight men. She says the explanation she finally received was “The audience doesn’t want to listen to a bunch of women talking about whatever it is women talk about.” Kelser states that she doesn’t believe that excuse,
“I concluded Hollywood was dominated by perpetual pre-adolescent boys making the movies they wanted to see, and using the “target audience” – a construct based on partial truths and twisted math – to perpetuate their own desires.” [1]
In a follow up articles she says it’s because of Hollywood’s ego, greed and laziness. [2] [3] I agree with her. Society has grown and developed while Hollywood bigwigs continue to churn out films based on old gender roles.
We’ve talked before about what it will take to break through this barrier. It seems that most writers, directors, producers and actors are trying to chip away at this out dated belief. But what about us, the general movie going population? There are many difficult questions we have to ask and answer. Are we really content with these movies? Are we so starved of good material that we accept anything even if it is bad? Are those around us even aware of this practise? What are the new gender roles (if there is any exclusivity to one sex anymore) we wish to see and how do we go about getting them into films we want to see? Of course there’s the big one, what do women really want to see in movies? But in this day and age, when society is rapidly becoming more accepting and embracing differences, is it one just for women to answer?
Also see: 50 Shades of Grey vs. The Bronze Horseman by Littlebells
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[1] http://thehathorlegacy.com/why-film-schools-teach-screenwriters-not-to-pass-the-bechdel-test/
[2] http://thehathorlegacy.com/why-discriminate-if-it-doesnt-profit/
[3] http://thehathorlegacy.com/nobody-knows-anything-but-dont-tell-the-financiers/
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Ozzie,
I love the scope and how much you have not only refined this topic. It’s (the article, topic and environment) is so pregnant with potential, opportunity, and areas for advancement that I’m sure this article can’t help but inspire some constructive good.
Can’t wait for the discussion.
Thank you CR! 🙂
i’ll tell you what this woman wants in films: intrigue, intelligence, action that is BELIEVABLE, romance, wholesome comedy, substance, strong male/female roles (even if one starts out weak and then metamorphosis into a confident character), ethics, morals and high standards, and something that makes me reflect and do some introspection. 🙂
I will second that motion.
Yup, me too.
It’s hard to disagree with Jennifer Kesler given that content is what we see at the theatres. Given the processes and culture of advanced pre-screenings and focus groups; I’m surprised there aren’t more fan repositories of content preference when it comes to film.
“It seems that most writers, directors, producers and actors are trying to chip away at this out dated belief. But what about us, the general movie going population?”
I think consumers need to check their values. I know its easy to use films to escape but they can also be used to inspire, empower and educate. So I think the general movie going audience need to choose what values they want to support.
Hi Everyone!
Hi OB! 🙂
Hi Everyone!
Let me read and catch up. 🙂
Hi everyone! I am off to a friends BBQ, but will be back tomorrow because I love the topic! Can’t wait to read the discussion. Have a great night! 🙂
Hope you have fun LB!
Have Fun!
Ozzie,
Awesome article!
Thank you Paris! 🙂
Hi Paris & Oz!
Hi OB!
Hi Paris!
“Are we so starved of good material that we accept anything even if it is bad?”
Yes & No. I think female consumers are starved for substantive female characters and stories. It was hard to know what women wanted 10 years ago before social media but today women can get together and by word of mouth make a film successful or not successful.
The problem is that the “Pre-pubescent boys” have power. They don’t care what the people want to see because they KNOW that whatever they put out the public will see. If you feed the public garbage long enough that’s all they will want. They will shun the excellent, in-depth, make you question yourself cinema when it comes along because they are trained to.
So essentially your saying u are what u eat. Right?
Do u think its possible to change people who use to eating garbage to want to eat health food?
Of course. It must be done very slowly though otherwise there will be a total shun.
Do u think social media can be used effectively to accelerate the transition? If so can u give me an example?
I do. An example, start by putting films in webisodes on the internet.
Oh! I like that idea. It would also be cool if consumers could discuss a film as well.
I totally agree with you Paris. I think some people are happy take the easy option.
OB, I think it is like fast food vs healthy food or gourmet food!
I think easy anything stunts creativity and growth. People who watch fast food films would be better off eating silly putty. At least u would have some interesting colors to choose from.
ROTFLMAO!!!
Ozzie-
What films in the last 5 years have u found to be empowering for women? Also, are films in the UK different in the US when it comes to showing empowering female characters in films?
This may take some time! I’m on extra slow mode today. My brain is refusing to work still!
No worries Oz! Take your time.
I’m not sure about tv in America but for older women in UK tv it’s hard. There’s been a number of outcries in the last few years.
Still thinking….
Outcries for stronger female characters?
Sorry, I meant older women being fired and younger women brought in. Usually it’s happens in reality tv and news programs. Alot of people complain about it, which is a very good sign.
See the more people speak out the sooner things will change. Are women in the UK considered old once they reach 30? What’s the age women are considered old in the UK?
I think for News and reality tv it’s about 50 – 60 years of age, which I guess is a good sign that we’re moving forward on ageism. But for me (and the people complaining) even if a woman is 60+ years old they shouldn’t be fired for that. Not when we’ve still got men presenting shows in their 70’s or 80’s.
Urgh, I ended up having to look up British films in the end. By the looks of things, I think sexism in UK films is the same as the US.
Do u think a film like “Pretty Women” would be supported by female moviegoers today?
I’m not sure. It’s not my thing so I wouldn’t go see it. I watched it for the first time a few months back and I only watched it because it’s a classic!
Its funny well not funny but when this film came out in 1990 in the USA sexual harassment cases were at an all time hime. Do u think “Pretty Women” helped or hurt women in the workplace during this period?
It came out in 1990? I thought it was a few years older! Again I’m not sure. On one hand, I think it makes a good point that you shouldn’t judge people but on the other, it’s not really realistic.
Yep it came out in 1990. ITA it had its good points regarding not to judge superficially.
Ladies,
I’m heading out for evening. TTYL!
Talk to you later Paris. Have fun!
Goodnight Paris!
Everyone-
Do u think film festivals could be a way to change content in mainstream films if consumers had more social media accessibility to these festivals? Meaning they could pay to see a film online and discuss it in forums etc. What do u think?
It’s a good idea and I think it would be a good start. I’m just wondering how much advertisment would be needed in the gossip rags to get the word out, lol!
LOL! U are terrible. Sad but true!
🙂 I think the ad space needed may take the whole magazine. Possibly a complimentary hammer just to make sure it goes in!
Hahahaha! This is hilarious. Goodness! I like the hammer idea. LOL!
Ozzie- I have to go. It was a great topic, discussion and wonderful research. I really hope people read your references. Excellent!
Have a great evening!
Thank you OB! Hope you have a good night!