MARCH 11 T H , 2013

Media Studies 120

The Bechdel Test

A benchmark for movies developed by Alison Bechdel in 1985.

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?