Sexist Trope?

[judd]

This is more of an observation than criticism.  I give credit to the series for avoiding depictions of women as set dressing.  We see strong female characters, who are important to the plot of all ages and looks.  The women are rarely objectified or dismissed.  I find modern films to be more problematic with sexist depictions of women than older films.

I have made an observation.  Many times, there are exceptions, the women characters have a boyfriend/husband or father who tell them what they should be doing.  I don't want you to go here or see this person.  It's a common trope in these older horror movies.  They men often treat the adult women as though they are children who can't make proper decisions or think for themselves.  This theme is quite common in other films or the era and not restricted to horror movies.

I know these films were produced in an era before feminism became mainstream.  I'm looking at this from a modern day perspective. 

I do like how the male heroes have gentlemenly interactions with the women.  I find it refreshing.

Has anyone else thought about the way the women characters are treated and depicted in the film series?

[MonsterBaker666]

I was watching Forbidden Planet recently.  They REALLY treat Alta as a sex object...even the captain chastises her for being attractive, essentially telling her that his men are horny after being in space for so long, and she needs to dress down when around them.  And naturally she winds up with the captain...could she love him more??

[BigShadow]

I think this really depends on what you're watching.  Sure sexism was in many movies and tv shows, but not everything.  I've seen many films and serials with strong female characters.  Sure it's few and far between, but they are out there.  It's definitely gotten better.  Looking at the past with contemporary glasses is never good, you have to understand the social environment of the time to understand what was done.   

[Hepcat]

I give credit to the series for avoiding depictions of women as set dressing.

Has anyone else thought about the way the women characters are treated and depicted in the film series?

I'm confused. You refer to the film series. But which film series?

 

[judd]

I'm confused. You refer to the film series. But which film series?

 

The classic Universal Monster films.

[aura of foreboding]

Do you know how forward-thinking Conliffe was regarding his daughter, Gwen?  Like...  Wow.  This was '41.