Why Do Many Movies Fail the Bechdel Test?

When discussing the Bechdel test and its failure in many modern movies, it's essential to understand the complexities behind this phenomenon. While some might argue that the test is irrelevant or unnecessarily strict, others recognize its significance in highlighting gender imbalances in storytelling and society. This article explores these reasons, exploring both the lack of relevance and the underlying issues contributing to its frequent failures.

Relevance and Relevance

Some film directors and producers dismiss the Bechdel test, claiming it is incomplete or not relevant to the quality of a film. They argue that directors are not obligated to incorporate feminist perspectives to make a movie “good.” Moreover, historical examples like Ghostbusters and the Star Wars episode featuring Rey highlight the potential drawbacks of conforming to such criteria. These films, while well-intentioned, may not resonate with audiences, as evidenced by subpar critical and commercial reception.

Arbitrary Nature

Others contend that there is no inherent value in passing the Bechdel test. The test's arbitrary nature has little impact on the overall quality of a film. It is conceived to illustrate the scarcity of female representation in movies and the societies they represent. However, this does not mean that the film’s narrative fails if it does not pass the test.

Storytelling Context and Challenges

The Bechdel test is primarily designed to address gender imbalances in storytelling, but it's also important to understand that screenwriters often write stories without the specific intention of passing the test. In many cases, historical events and settings naturally exclude women, leading to underrepresentation. For example, a movie about a major historical event is likely to feature men in prominent roles because women have historically been excluded from positions of power. Additionally, the bias in what is considered interesting or exciting can further limit the portrayal of women. While women may play a significant role in warfare, this aspect is not typically seen as "cinematic," so writers and directors focus on the more dramatic or action-packed elements.

Writer and Director Biases

Writer and director biases can also contribute to the frequent failures of the Bechdel test. Screenwriters and directors often incorporate diversity into their characters to make their stories more interesting, but this diversity is often skewed towards male characters. This unconscious bias is prevalent even among successful male writers and directors. Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and others often have a male-centric focus in their storytelling and movies. As a result, women often end up as supporting characters or afterthoughts in their stories, rarely making up the majority of the cast.

Market and Audience Bias

Finally, it is important to consider the audience and market bias. The average audience taste often leans male, with women being more likely to watch both men's and women's movies. Conversely, men are less likely to watch female-centric films. This bias influences production decisions. Producers are well aware of this audience bias and how it impacts ticket sales. Consequently, there are fewer movies about or made for women, and those that do exist often receive smaller budgets and less attention. This further perpetuates the gender imbalance and ensures that the test’s failure remains a significant issue in the film industry.