One thing I started thinking about at the 'thon

[rmd]

So, while being annoyed at sexism in some of the movies at the fest/thon, I began wondering if one could create a typical 'thon type program of SF films (a mix of old, newer, and obscure) where all of the films passed the Bechdel test. Obviously, "Alien" would have to be included, since it was the movie mentioned in the actual strip where the test is described. Finding one or two older schlocky SF movies that pass the test might be the hardest part. Maybe some sort of "our hero discovers a crazy planet where women rule" movie might work, just so there's lots of women there to talk to each other.

Obviously, the test doesn't actually determine if - for instance - a movie is sexist or misogynistic or even good. Hell, "Debbie Does Dallas" passes, because the girls talk to each other to plan the car wash.

Somewhat relatedly, I was pleased to see more women directors with films in the fest. Garen said something like 40% of the directors for fest films (mostly the short films, I think) were women, so, yay! Go chick directors. The fest has been getting way more submissions, too, which is why this year was a really strong field of shorts and features. Hopefully it'll just keep getting better.

Comments

[lioritgioret.livejournal.com]

I have decided I want to Return to the Thon next year. It's probably been ten years, but it is still the best thing to do in the middle of Darkest February, and I miss it. I don't have a bucket list -- I have a "resume in the coming year" list.

There's at least one shlocky 50s movie where there's a woman scientist and the local sheriff's daughter and I bet they talk about something besides the dudes -- but I can't remember if it's the one with the giant ants or the incredibly lame one where the space "monster" is something that teaches sand to become giant crystals that rise up and fall over on things. I'm sure Garen would know.

[evwhore.livejournal.com]

I remember noticing or having it pointed out to me that there are no women in the movie version of The Hunt for Red October except at the very beginning (wife, flight attendant) and at the very end (flight attendant again)

[rmd.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Plenty of movies out there with no or almost no women.

[achinhibitor.livejournal.com]

Doesn't Hunt mostly happen on a submarine?

[evwhore.livejournal.com]

Yep, there's a reason for the gender imbalance there, but still interesting if only as a point of trivia.

[achinhibitor.livejournal.com]

Over my lifetime, I've started seeing more and more women producers. And those are the money people, so it's significant that women are breaking into that occupation.

[dfjdejulio.livejournal.com]

For some reason, I feel a sudden need to determine whether "Amazon Women on the Moon" passes the Bechdel test.