Every summer, we prepare for the blockbuster movie season. And we are treated to the lowest of the low when it comes to actual cinema. This summer appears to be no exception. But, I'm less concerned about the quality of films, and more concerned with the fact that there are really no movies that feature more than one woman in a main role. I thought at first it was just my little feminist alarm going off, but I'm pretty much right on this.
Spiderman 3, The Pirates of the Caribbean 3, Ocean's 13, Fantastic Four, even Shrek 3 only feature one leading lady. It's not even a recent phenomenon. Think Star Wars (today and yesterday.) Carrie Fisher and Natalie Portman. That's it. Hell, there are movies that don't even put a woman in them. Even in an extra role. Think war movies like Hunt for Red October, Crimson Tide, Saving Private Ryan. We get movies like Pearl Harbor and the agony that is Kate Beckinsale.
The list goes on. Gladiator, Old School, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Good Fellas, Casino, Die Hard. Sure, these movies are mostly guy films. But, what about movies that are for us ladies. Like Elizabeth. The only woman of any significance is Helen Mirren. So, there weren't any other woman in the whole of England? Or Shakespeare in Love? We get Gwyneth. That's it.
I just think there have to be more roles for women than the token, the hooker or the girlfriend. I know Hollywood isn't always the bastion of intellect or credibility. But significant speaking parts for women shouldn't be that much of a challenge. Hell, if they can make an unrated DVD version of every movie to get the boob shots in, maybe just spend a little more time on the regular movie and give women something smart to say, and a place to say it.
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