Feminist Film Theory 101

Feminist film theory is a critical lens through which inequalities of gender, racism, class and other social categories are examined in motion pictures. Feminist film theory has evolved with wider feminist movements and the fight for equal rights for women. Because of this, it has changed significantly throughout time, mirroring societal developments, politics, and feminism.

This article will explain the Feminist Film Theory and its evolution.

At A Glance

The first wave of Feminist Film Theory (1970s)
The second wave of Feminist Film Theory (1980s and 1990s)
The Third Wave of Feminist Film Theory (2000s and Beyond)
Female filmmakers in the feminist film genre
The criticism of feminist film theory
Bechdel Test and its impact on feminist films

The first wave of Feminist Film Theory (1970s)

Following the success of the women’s liberation movement of the 1970s, a new school of feminist film theory developed. Feminist scholars and activists had begun to criticise the portrayal of women in popular cinema at this point, stating that they were often objectified and confined to minor positions. In addition to underlining the need for more female filmmakers and more diversity in the film industry, these early feminist film theorists also brought attention to the under-representation of women in directing and producing roles.

The second wave of Feminist Film Theory (1980s and 1990s)

Feminist film theory saw a second phase of development in the 1980s and 1990s, expanding upon earlier efforts. During this time, there was a surge of interest in the intersections of race, class, and gender and a corresponding increase in the number of films exploring these themes. At the same time, feminist film theorists investigating how movies could be utilised to question established beliefs and provide a voice to underrepresented communities.

The Third Wave of Feminist Film Theory (2000s and Beyond)

Since the turn of the millennium, a new generation of feminist film critics has arisen, and their work is still developing. In recent years, scholars have reexamined the impact of digital media and the web on the production, dissemination, and reception of motion pictures. Similarly, third-wave feminist film theorists have broadened their scope to examine how films from diverse parts of the world portray and challenge gender norms. Furthermore, there has been a surge of curiosity on how media portrayals of gender and sexuality affect our perceptions of ourselves and others.

Female filmmakers in the feminist film genre

There has been a steady stream of groundbreaking feminist films made by women directors for many years. These movies frequently reflect women’s experiences and opinions in a powerful and empowering way, challenging society’s standards and preconceptions in the process.

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay is widely regarded as one of the most influential female directors working now in feminist film. DuVernay’s films on Black women’s lives are renowned for being emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. Her movies like Selma and the 13th have been lauded for their ability to shed awareness on the ongoing fights for equality and justice that Black women in the United States confront.

Kathryn Bigelow

Kathryn Bigelow is another influential female filmmaker whose work has influenced the field of feminist film. Bigelow has directed and produced a number of films that centre on the lives of women and address a wide variety of social and political concerns. Her movies like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty are lauded for their sophisticated and nuanced storytelling from a female point of view.

Lina Wertmüller

When discussing groundbreaking feminist filmmakers, Lina Wertmüller must also be mentioned. She has become famous for her comic and satirical portrayals of sexual and gender identity in her works. Her films like Swept Away and Love and Anarchy have been lauded for entertainingly and thought-provokingly exposing women’s experiences while also challenging society’s conventions and preconceptions.

Other female filmmakers in the feminist film genre

Other well-known women directors who have contributed to the feminist film movement include Agnès Varda, Jane Campion, and Greta Gerwig. Each of these directors has made an indelible mark on the canon of feminist film, employing their considerable abilities to craft films that not only showcase the experiences and viewpoints of women but also subvert prevailing cultural conventions and prejudices.

Even more so, the feminist film has relied heavily on the contributions of women filmmakers. Although they focus on women’s concerns, these films offer an alternative lens through which to see the globe and society at large. They’ve brought attention to the persistent fights for gender parity and social justice and proven that women in the film industry have an important and compelling perspective to share.

The criticism of feminist film theory

Feminism’s impact on the film business has highlighted the unique strength, adaptability, talent, and breadth of women in the field. However, there are film reviewers that discuss the roles of women’s personifications in all kinds of movies and TV shows, from comedies to dramas to sitcoms, and especially in the big screen cinema.

Bechdel Test and its impact on feminist films

Over time, a broader spectrum of women’s voices and experiences have been represented in feminism’s cinematic manifestations. Feminist films have come a long way since the 1970s when they initially concentrated on themes like reproductive rights and equal pay; today’s films explore intersectionality and the lives of disadvantaged women.

The Bechdel Test, which evaluates the number of speaking roles for men and women in a film, has also brought attention to the dearth of complex female characters in Hollywood productions. Feminist filmmakers and reviewers alike have taken to using the test as a yardstick against which to measure the success of their efforts to improve the portrayal of women in film.

The social and political climate, as well as feminist philosophy, have changed significantly over the years, and this has been reflected in the development of feminist film theory. Feminist film theory has evolved greatly since its inception in the 1970s and currently incorporates several theoretical approaches. Feminist film theory is still very useful today for analysing and critiquing the ways in which gender and other types of social injustice are portrayed on screen and for advancing the cause of a more equitable and inclusive film industry and society.