The Danger of Reading Too Much Into a Movie
While on Facebook the other day, I came across a link to an article written by entertainment insider and budding feminist Angie Han. It involved the movie "Sucker Punch" and went into extreme detail pointing out that when you stop to think about it, the film isn't a true testament to female empowerment.
First, she's absolutely right. And second, to quote America's favorite recently-crowned Twitter King... "Duh!"
Of course "Sucker Punch" isn't a testament to feminism. Are you kidding me? The movie expends more effort shedding the heroines' clothing than revealing their thoughts. Only a moron would think these characters are a fair representation of the feminist movement.
As an uncle to a ten-year-old girl, female empowerment is very important to me. (I am reassured by the fact the my niece has an incredible mother. My sister is doing a stellar job as a parent. I'm truly in awe of her.) Feminism is an important fight. I just think it needs to be aimed in the best direction to facilitate change.
I've read Han's articles in the past. I like her. She's not in the class of Huffington, Quindlen, or Wolf, but she's a strong voice for the future. The only thing that troubles me about this particular article is that it's a textbook example of tilting at windmills.
I actually did give the movie the most marginal of recommendations based on its visual style alone. I'm not brimming with pride over my decision, but reactions are what they are. (I also gave "Drive Angry" a tepid recommendation. Try to figure that one out.) But at no point while viewing the film did I ever stop and think that it was a statement on the feminist movement. It's trash filmmaking aimed solely for teenage boys with a love for video games and scantily-clad heroines. Maybe I'm giving the moviegoing public too much credit, but I highly doubt every person paying admission honestly thinks this is about feminism.
Plus, I promise you the studio and the filmmakers don't see it as such, either. Now, Han points out in her article that director Zack Snyder was quoted as saying it involves female empowerment. What she conveniently leaves out is that Snyder made the comment in the midst of a promotional tour. What was he gonna say? "Uh... yeah, it exploits women but I think girls should see it anyway." So his comment really means nothing. The fact is, the only people who keep injecting this particular brand of movie garbage into serious feminist debate are the bloggers.
Sometimes it's better to leave trash in the bin.
At another point in Han's article, the sentiment is expressed that denouncing feminists' protests by claiming the movie "is only a movie" is a cop out. This is true, but constantly inviting cinematic garbage back to the discussion table fuels the movie with credibility it doesn't deserve. If the moviegoing public, the filmmakers, and the studio can see the film for the disposable money-grab trash that it is, why can't bloggers? They're building up their own enemy. (Those gosh-darn windmills!)
You have to understand, I'm not saying abandon the fight. Just re-direct it. You want something to be offended by? Try this one on for size...
Just in time for summer, a new padded bikini top designed strictly for girls as young as eight is hitting the store shelves. Now, that's something that ought to ignite your fury. And more importantly, it's something that deserves to ignite it. The thought of a product like that aimed toward that age group unsettles me.
Look, I get your anger at the portrayal of women in movies like "Sucker Punch" and "Lara Croft." But these movies manage to circumvent the feminist debate by catering not to girls, but to a male youth demographic that won't dissipate no matter how loud you scream. Fighting involves more than unfettered brawn or stentorian protests. It involves knowing where to direct the fight as much as the intensity embedded in the battle itself.
Attacking movies like these may seem like the best approach, but it's actually tantamount to believing that the only way feminism can advance is by educating men. There are many feminists who believe this. But to think this demonstrates a lack of understanding of the word "empowerment. " Empowerment is a very personal thing. Organic in nature. It needs to be imbued, cultivated, and encouraged in the minds of our girls, not beaten over the heads of boys who are unfortunately turned on by images women would like to turn off. (Though I do understand the desire toward the beat down.)
If you can empower a young girl to respect herself without condition, then those in her immediate circle will have no choice but to honor that respect. ("Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission." Eleanor Roosevelt rocked.)
Listen, I'm on your side, Don Quixote. I just hope you choose your battles wisely. Fight on.
