Comments on: Open Forum Friday: Why Aren’t There More Movies Being Made for Women?

By: Wayne Regier

Wayne Regier — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 17:25:00 +0000

I think it comes down to preference in medium. All of my sisters and my Girlfriend prefer television. They also hate the theater experience of parking, queuing, and being forced to sit still and be quiet. I find they much prefer the ability to pause, FB, chat a little, and generally make viewing more comfortable and passive. They also seem to enjoy small bites of anything long form. I lament that the significant other will watch 3 – 4 episodes of Walking Dead or Hit & Miss but bitch at the thought of a movie that clocks in over 90 minutes. Also, there are many more women to see on the small screen. Our Hulu is full of Parks and Rec., Community, 30 Rock, Modern Family, and the Netflix is full of Walking Dead, Hit & Miss, The Fall, Downton Abby, Weeds, and The Killing. All of these have very prominent roles for women. Another thing to consider is that my Mother and several female friends greatly enjoy docs over scripted and they all go bat shit for reality TV.
We recently ran into an issue of choice where I was up for anything and had a pick of 8 different movies playing in 13 different theaters. The 1 film she wanted was Bling Ring and that had only one screen and 3 shows for that weekend. Everything is geared toward testosterone at the multiplex. Some Indy art house places fall victim as well. They just want something different than the men. Luckily technology has allowed them that choice.

By: Matt the Kiwi

Matt the Kiwi — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:30:00 +0000

I think there’s always been a pretty good female representation in blockbusters (Alien, Aliens, Terminator, Underworld movies, Abyss, Charlies Angels, etc) but one area we do seem to have been a bit underwhelming is the super-hero genre. They’re always an after-thought was the boys do well (Catwoman, Supergirl, Electra)…maybe its time for Christopher Nolan to take on Wonder Woman.
And a little off topic but does anybody know a female who obsessively collects blu-rays like we blokes do? Maybe female-centric movies are also not good merchandise cash cows. I know my wife would go with a pair of shoes over a die cast model of Judge Dredd any day.

By: ProCynic

ProCynic — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 13:01:00 +0000

Is it me, or am I the only guy in the world that thinks Sandra Bullock looks like Micheal Jackson? Nice arse, shame about the boat race ( as we say in UK)

By: Glendon

Glendon — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 23:15:00 +0000

The problem isn’t if a movie is “oriented” to women, but if women and stories about women are being represented in the movies. Which is where The Bechdel Test helps. To pass, a movie just has to:

1. has to have at least two women in it,
2. who talk to each other,
3. about something besides a man

It’s an extremely easy test for a film to pass, yet a tonne still don’t.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLF6sAAMb4s

By: Loren

Loren — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 22:37:00 +0000

I can’t wait! The women going audience is going to love “Nymphomanic” by Lars Von Trier. Actually know a couple lady friends of mine that really liked “Anti-Christ”.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 21:32:00 +0000

Your argument isn’t clearly stated enough to hold a serious discussion on the subject. What defines a movie being “made for women?” is it purely just the existence of a female lead? Or does it have more to do with the story structure, themes, etc? This single point will greatly shape any argument for or against.

By: ProCynic

ProCynic — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 13:24:00 +0000

When Harry Met Sally is in my top 10 movies of all time, watch it every ten years and something else applies to my own life..Adding to my earlier rant, why don’t women like non-women movies (If there is any?) Women like same shite we do, don’t they?

By: Kasper F. Nielsen

Kasper F. Nielsen — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 11:24:00 +0000

I like rom-coms, so if that’s solely for the ladies, then bring on more of those.

By: ProCynic

ProCynic — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:26:00 +0000

I agree with Ian, women like to watch Buff Men period..Women normally see themselves as the wimpish heroine being swept away but the white knight. So they have their daily TV crap to satisfy their thirst. I await the replies of hate. People are sooooooooooooo brave online. And I agree with Frank, enough with sex scenes and Kissing crap, stop padding the movie and get on with telling the story.

By: Ian Strope

Ian Strope — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 21:15:00 +0000

For me it’s simple: a solid story with authentic characters and no pandering. A great character is worth watching be it some crew cut dude, a tired old lady, or a pizza dog.