Strong Women Characters in Films/ Which Ones Have Them?

  • Thread starter Thread starter taovande
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Lee Holloway in Secretary--Very complex, starts off a total neurotic victim who cuts herself, then discovers her sexuality and in turn becomes the woman she wants to be.

Lorel in Jerry Maguire--Funny, Stong, Independant, Caring and Protective of her little sister. Awesome chick!

Marcy in Jerry Maguire--See above, except totally committed to her family and husband realising his potential. What was it about Jerry Maguire women? Must've been written by a chick.

Penny Laine in Almost Famous--Knows exactly what she's doing, and not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. Gorgeous and heartbreaking.
 
Well, the first name that popped into my head was Velma Kelly but thats because I just watched Chicago. As a girl I like seeing characters like that although the fantasy does overtake the situation.

I will have think about it and comeback.

[ 01-20-2004: Message edited ROCKSTAR ]
 
Female roles in films can usually be divided into a small number of categories:

The Sexpot- Her purpose in the film is visual. She is sexy and beautiful, and her role is a secondary counterpoint to the strong male lead.

The Neurotic, controlling harridan.- Controls people through manipulation and intimidation. Often angry and emasculating. Excellent examples are the Joan Crawford role in "Mommy Dearest", and Nurse Ratched in "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest".

The practically invisible helpmeet.- Whether married or not, this woman is lost without a man. The male lead is the focus of the movie, where the woman is an also-ran. She usually calls on the man for help in a tight spot.

The Strong, Actualized Woman- Although this type of woman has been played in films for quite some time (Kate Hepburn comes to mind) we are beginning to see more and more of this type of woman in the movies. Her life is run on her terms. She may have a man, but he is a complement, and not the focus of her life. She lives life on her own terms.

What good films have you seen lately that portray the strong self sufficient woman?

Women- Do you relate to these women?

Men- What is your "take" on portraying of women as strong, self- sufficient individuals?
 
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