Feminist Film Review

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The Movie I Watched: Clueless


The Bechdel Test: In order to pass the Bechdel Test, the movie needs to 1) have two female characters, that 2) talk to each other, 3) about things other than men. In Clueless, there were many female characters. Specifically, there were three main female characters: Cher, Dionne, and Tai. They all interacted many times. While some of their conversations were about boys, there were also many conversations that were not. Some of the other topics included school, working out, and make-overs.


The Ari Test: The movie does technically pass the Bechdel Test, but I do not think that shows women in a very intelligent light. Most of the character’s conversations were about make-up, boys, shopping, or clothes. In my opinion, the movie played into a lot of stereotypes about girls. If I made a feminist test for a movie it would make sure that there had to be a woman in an intelligent role. Here are the rules for my test:

  • Has at least two women in leading roles

  • Has a woman in an “intelligent” role

  • The women cannot depend on men for everything.


Based on this test, Clueless would not pass because all of the female characters aren’t very smart. Even the female teacher is kind of oblivious.


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