MARCH 11 TH, 2013 Media Studies 120
The Bechdel Test A benchmark for movies developed by Alison Bechdel in For a movie to pass The Bechdel Test, it must contain just one thing - a scene in which two or more named female characters have a conversation (that is, back and forth dialogue) about anything at all besides men. Anything, even if it’s something stereotypically feminine, like shopping or shoes. Almost half of films fail this test.
Bechdel Bonanza I will show you a popular movie. We will hear any evidence you might have to submit. We will vote on whether it passes or not. I will reveal the answer.
Practice Round – The Dark Knight Rises FAIL
Round 1 –The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo FAIL
Round 2 – The Lord of The Rings Trilogy FAIL
Round 3 - Avatar FAIL
Round 4 – The Hunger Games PASS
Round 5 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II FAIL
Discuss What media do we consume on a daily basis? What does it tell us about the “proper roles” for women and men?