Gender Stereotypes in Films

Female Stereotypes in Films

In the media, women are generally seen as conforming to these conventions:

• Domestic
• Emotional
• Less Independent
• Physically Weak
• Maternal
• Caring
• Bitchy
• Manipulative (sexually/seductive)
• Feminine

In the 2013 film, Carrie, the main character 'Carrie' is seen as weak and vulnerable. For example, in the pool scene, Carrie has her arms crossed over her chest which symbolises that she is uncomfortable with the situation as she is therefore vulnerable to being teased or bullied by other characters. These is also a high angle of her in the swimming pool which makes her look weak and small, therefore conforming to common conventions of female stereotypes.

 

Another gender gender stereotype film is The Other Woman. One of the main characters conforms to women being weak and emotional as there are multiple scenes where she is crying over the affair that her husband has had. This conforms to common conventions of women being overtly emotional and weak.

 

Films That Subvert Common Conventions of Women

The film franchise The Hunger Games is seen to subvert common conventions of females. This is due to the main charter 'Katniss' coming off as a strong, independent and emotionally reserved. This is seen as uncommon in films especially for the female leading role. 

Male Stereotypes in Films

In the media, male characters are usually seen as conforming to these common conventions and characteristics:

• Emotionally Reserved
• Aggressive
• 'Bread-Winners'
• Independent
• Masculine
• Strong

In the film franchise James Bond, the main character James is seen as independent and and strong as he always fights his missions alone and always saves a female character who is seen as weak and vulnerable, therefore conforming to common conventions of males characters. 

Films That Subvert Common Conventions of Men

The film Perks of Being a Wallflower subverts male conventions as the main character, Charlie, is seen as being vulnerable, emotional and shy. This is evident throughout the film as there is a scene where the character has a breakdown and he is unable to control is emotions and starts to cry. This subverts common representations of men as they are seen as emotionally reserved. Also, compared to his female co-star, he is very shy. This can be seen at the disco scene where he is hiding himself and not dancing, compared to his female co-star who is seen as outgoing and bold as she is dancing in the middle of the floor with everyone watching, showing that she is not shy.