The Bechdel test exposes sexism in films. Based on just three small requirements.
In 1985, the illustrator and author Alison Bechdel introduced criteria to determine whether a film is sexist or not. Since then, the so-called Bechdel test has been the basis for numerous studies on gender stereotypes and feminism in the film business.
The test is made up of three simple criteria:
1. The film must contain at least two female characters who also have a name.
2. The women have to have a conversation with each other (a short shout doesn’t count).
3. The conversation must not revolve around a man.
The Bechdel test is often criticized because just one scene in which two women talk about makeup or their breasts is enough to pass. Nevertheless, its application often produces amazing results and industry trends.
For the feminist day of struggle, we have put together five films that surprisingly failed or passed the Bechdel test.
Failed:
Avatar (2009)
The female humans and Na’vi mostly only give each other looks or half-sentences. Unfortunately, the only lengthy conversation between Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and her mother revolves around male hero Jake Sully (Sam Worthington).
The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001-2003)
Not sprinkling a single conversation between two women into nine hours of film is actually quite an achievement. Unfortunately not a good one. Although the battle for Middle-earth produces strong female characters, they only talk to men.
The “Star Wars” episodes IV-VI (1977-1983)
The original trilogy is older than the Bechdel test. But that hardly explains why the universe conceived by George Lucas consists almost entirely of men. By the way, “The Force Awakens” passed the test with flying colors.
Lola Runs (1998)
Although Tom Tykwer’s Lola is one of the strongest women in films of the 90s, the film still doesn’t pass the test. Franka Potente doesn’t talk to any other women.
Deadly Command – The Hurt Locker (2008)
Kathryn Bigelow made history with “The Hurt Locker.” She was the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director. The film, which primarily features male soldiers in Iraq, still doesn’t meet Bechdel’s standards.
>>> On the next page you will find out why “American Pie” of all things passes the sexism test
