Viewers Call Out Movies With Questionable Gender Representation

How films represent different people has always sparked debate, especially regarding its impact on the plot and the audience. Research shows that viewers are more likely to connect with films that feature characters they can relate to.

This connection often goes beyond race or gender, extending to age, personality, and life experiences. When filmmakers fail to represent these groups accurately or rely on outdated stereotypes, it disconnects the audience.

This lack of authenticity can lead to criticism of films that must be in touch with reality. A recent example of this emerged on Reddit when a user, Embarrassed-Toe-1920, shared their thoughts on the 2011 romantic comedy 'Just Go With It' in the popular subreddit r/TwoXChromosomes.

The film, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, centers on a wealthy but shallow plastic surgeon who, after a fling with a younger woman, ultimately falls for his older assistant. Embarrassed-Toe-1920 called the scenario "disgusting," noting how it reinforces harmful gender dynamics, portraying a storyline that seems like a man’s fantasy and a woman’s nightmare.

While the comment may have upset some, it raises important questions about how films handle relationships and gender roles. In 'Just Go With It,' the 25-year-old woman plays a minor role, serving as a plot device, while the older assistant, with more complexity, becomes the genuine love interest.

This reinforces the idea that women are only significant in romantic contexts or through their relationships with men, rarely showing them as independent characters. This Reddit user prompted others to suggest similar movies. Here's the list.

Research shows that viewers are more likely to connect with films that feature characters they can relate to.

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What Women Want

"It still baffles me how many women were involved in the making of What Women Want. It should be called What Men Think Women Want. It is so so so so stupid."

The Notebook

"I love many movies that Ryan Gosling is in, but in The Notebook (2004), the character threatening s***ide (or at least a broken neck and bones) if Rachel McAdams won't date him has got to be one of the more disgusting coercive interactions in a mainstream movie that only a bunch of men in the writers room (and a male novelist) could think of as "romantic". Truly messed up stuff."

The Importance of Representation

Dr. Stacy Smith, a professor at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, emphasizes the significance of authentic representation in film. In her research, she found that diverse characters lead to greater audience engagement and satisfaction. Smith argues that when films portray outdated stereotypes, they not only alienate viewers but also reinforce harmful societal norms.

She states, "Inclusive storytelling allows audiences to see themselves reflected in narratives, fostering deeper emotional connections." This insight highlights the responsibility filmmakers have toward their audiences.

Blended.

"Another Adam Sandler movie - Blended. Overall kind of a cute but dumb movie. But there's this one scene where leading lady is helping him pick out tampons for his daughter and basically explains he needs to get small ones because of her small v*gina. They extend it further by having the checkout lady make an awkward comment about the days when she could use those.When cringe meets misinformation..."Imdb

"Basically every single James Bond movie ever. "

A woman critiqued male-only writing rooms.

"This reminds me of the woman who wrote about male only writing rooms, she cited an episode of a crime drama where the inspector declared that the k*ller must have redressed the female victim because her "bra and panties don't match". And her underwear was really expensive, at least $20 for her bra alone!"

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Media literacy expert, Dr. Julie Frechette, advocates for educational programs that teach viewers to critically analyze media content. She notes that understanding the mechanisms behind gender representation can empower audiences to challenge stereotypes actively.

Frechette argues that teaching young viewers about media influence can foster a generation that demands better representation in films, ultimately leading to societal change. Workshops and discussions in schools can create spaces for this critical engagement, making students more discerning consumers of media.

Star Trek

"Just watched an old episode of the original Star Trek where a woman somehow switched bodies with Captain Kirk against his will as a way to take over his command/life. The way the crew was convinced that the apparent Captain Kirk wasn’t himself was summed up by Scotty: “I’ve never before seen the Captain red-faced with hysteria.” God damn."

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The episode of Ted Lasso in Amsterdam.

"The episode of Ted Lasso in Amsterdam, where Rebecca falls into a canal, goes into the houseboat of the man who helped her out, showers there, and ends up sleeping there. The whole time I was thinking “what MAN wrote this?!” In what universe would an adult woman go into the home of a complete stranger and feel comfortable enough to shower, let alone spend the night?!"tv.apple

Passengers

"Passengers, and if you can't tell that Chris Pratt is absolutely evil in that movie, you're definitely not safe to be around. And tbh, I've heard the "he picked the wrong girl obviously " argument, and it also reeks of predatory male privilege."

Expert Insights on Stereotypical Tropes

Dr. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, filmmaker and founder of The Representation Project, highlights how traditional Hollywood narratives often perpetuate gender stereotypes. She asserts that films like 'Just Go With It' fail to depict women as complex characters, instead relegating them to one-dimensional roles.

Newsom states, "When women are portrayed primarily as objects of desire, it diminishes their humanity and reinforces harmful societal norms that affect both men and women." Her work encourages filmmakers to embrace narratives that reflect the multifaceted nature of gender identity.

"Anything with 90% of men being the protagonist and the overly-objectified women who are only there as love interests. "

National Treasure

"My ex and I rewatched the first National Treasure movie last year and it was...rough. The treatment of Diane Kruger's character was downright criminal.She plays an archivist working in the f*****g National Archives, a bona fide professional in her field, but once she gets wrapped up in the (from her perspective, INSANE) hunt for the Declaration of Independence she's treated like a child. I can't count the number of times the two male leads share a look and shake their head in response to DK's character asking questions. They just oozed "aww isn't she cute, she's trying so hard to keep up" energy. The infantilization was crazy."

Strong women characters.

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Therapists recommend utilizing discussions around films to promote healthy dialogues about gender and identity. Engaging in conversations about why certain portrayals are harmful can be enlightening for audiences.

Using films as case studies, individuals can dissect the implications of gender roles depicted in media. This method not only enhances media literacy but also promotes empathy and understanding among viewers of all ages.

Extroverted, adventurous women inexplicably fall for quiet introverts and make it their mission to "fix" them.

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"I can't imagine any Adam Sandler movies holding up especially well tbh. "

S1 Supernatural episode

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Cultural Context Matters

Cultural critic, Dr. bell hooks, emphasizes the importance of context in analyzing gender representation in films. She asserts that understanding the socio-political background of a film can help viewers decipher the motivations behind character portrayals.

Hooks argues, "Films are cultural artifacts that reflect and shape societal norms; thus, analyzing them through a critical lens is essential for meaningful discourse." This approach encourages audiences to not only consume content but to engage with it thoughtfully.

The Switch

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Knocked Up

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M.A.S.H.

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Financial experts suggest that the film industry can benefit from investing in diverse storytelling. By allocating resources to projects that prioritize authentic representation, studios can tap into broader audiences and increase profitability.

Investing in diverse narratives is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business strategy that can lead to increased ticket sales and viewership across demographics. As audiences demand more inclusive content, studios that adapt will likely thrive.

Ghostbusters

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Love Actually.

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"Every Judd Apatow movie."

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Empowering Future Filmmakers

Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her work on grit and perseverance, believes in nurturing young filmmakers. She emphasizes that educational initiatives should focus on empowering diverse voices in the film industry.

Duckworth advocates for mentorship programs that connect aspiring filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds with established industry professionals. By fostering an inclusive environment, the next generation can create narratives that reflect their realities, challenging stereotypes head-on.

"I feel like this is basically every movie until "Clueless."

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Knocked up.

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Daddy’s Home

"Just watched Daddy’s Home (Will Ferrel and Mark Wahlberg) with my parents. As someone who’s just coming out of an emotionally abusive relationship with a narcissist, I was floored by the amount of gaslighting played for comedy on display in that movie.Both of those men were treating the wife character as an object to be won. It’s was pretty gross. If I was watching it on my own I would have turned it off 10 mins in."

Experts in education suggest implementing media literacy curriculums in schools to help students critically engage with film content. Such programs would equip students with the tools to analyze representation and challenge stereotypes.

These educational efforts can foster a generation of media-savvy individuals who demand authentic representation in films, ultimately leading to more diverse and inclusive narratives in mainstream cinema.

Supernatural

"The sheer amount of times that the woman costars died instead of their male ones was enough that people started memeing it. And then the people in charge got all mad when we started shipping them with the other male characters. They've got no one to blame, but their own s****y writing."

Some Disney episodes

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"Poor Things, for so many reasons. "

"THANK YOU! That movie felt like a 3 hour sequence of triggers and rage bait. And the gaslighting in the reviews! "You don't understand, it's actually a very feminist movie 🤓" Miss me with that bs. Unlike the protagonist, I have a functioning adult brain of my own, thank you very much. Sorry for the rant, I'm just so glad I'm not alone with this! All the best to you."

The Role of Audience Feedback

Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist, notes the power of audience feedback in shaping media content. Just as consumer preferences influence food production, viewer reactions can impact film narratives.

Campbell emphasizes the need for filmmakers to listen to audience critiques regarding representation. By responding to feedback, filmmakers can create more relatable and authentic characters, enhancing audience connection and satisfaction.

Ready Player One

"Ready Player One was a major one for me - I mean, the book alone already gives me the ick but the whole "All my problems are fixed because I'm finally loved even though I'm soooo ugly!!" s**t from the protagonist's love interest was especially ridiculous in the movie, considering that they gave her a tiny, faded red mark, which you couldn't even SEE in most scenes because of the lightning."

American Pie

"I watched the first few minutes of American Pie: Girls Rules and turned it off because it was so blatantly written by men and i was not about to subject myself to an hour and a half of a stupid movie written by stupid men about ***adolescent female sexuality***. like, just f**k no. i didn't even bother with googling the writers, it was THAT obvious. a critic also said the same thing."

"There's Something About Mary"

"Just watched it this morning and that exact thought kept popping up everytime a joke was made."

Scholars in sociology suggest that societal change starts with grassroots movements. They advocate for community-led initiatives that promote awareness of gender representation in film, encouraging local discussions and events.

Such initiatives can empower individuals to voice their opinions on representation and advocate for change in their communities. By fostering a culture of critique and support, audiences can create a collective demand for better representation in cinema.

Chef.

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Indecent Proposal.

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Scott Pilgrim

"This might be an unpopular opinion, but it’s how I feel about Scott Pilgrim. I won’t deny that it’s a really well-made movie overall. However, I’ve always struggled with *why* Ramona Flowers suddenly becomes so interested in Scott Pilgrim. What does she see in him? That aspect of the story felt a little too rooted in the male gaze for me."

The Impact of Stereotypes on Youth

Child psychologists observe that children who consume media filled with stereotypes can develop skewed perceptions of gender roles. Dr. Dan Kindlon emphasizes that exposure to such content can limit children's understanding of themselves and others.

To combat this, he recommends parents discuss media consumption with their children, exploring the implications of what they watch. This dialogue can help children cultivate critical thinking skills and develop a more nuanced understanding of gender identity.

Any movie with a se* scene.

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Catch and Release

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Hot tub Time Machine.

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Relationship experts point out that poor representation impacts not only individuals but also interpersonal dynamics. When media perpetuates unrealistic gender norms, it can create unhealthy expectations in relationships.

To counteract this, couples are encouraged to engage in discussions about media portrayals, helping them foster healthier communication patterns and expectations based on mutual respect rather than stereotypes.

"Felt like a forced excuse to showcase J Law naked. "

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Dumb and Dumber.

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Sucker Punch.

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Future Directions for Filmmakers

A trend in the industry is the rise of independent filmmakers who prioritize authentic storytelling. Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, encourages these filmmakers to explore diverse narratives that reflect real-life experiences.

David argues that embracing vulnerability in storytelling can create connections and resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Independent films often showcase unique perspectives that challenge mainstream stereotypes, paving the way for a richer cinematic landscape.

Time Traveler’s Wife

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Naruto.

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The English.

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To improve gender representation, filmmakers should actively seek input from diverse voices during the creative process. This collaborative approach can ensure that narratives are authentic and representative.

Engaging consultants from various backgrounds can help prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes, leading to richer and more nuanced storytelling that resonates with broader audiences.

"Anything written by Quentin Tarantino"

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Indiana Jones

"Not the worst offender by far, but on a recent rewatch I was kinda shocked at how patronizing and at times outright misogynistic the Indiana Jones movies are. I never clocked that when I watched them as a child. But Jesus, I had to do a double take when it was implied that he slept with his love interest in the past when she was underage and his student. Like, I am sorry WTF did you just say?"

Old School.

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The Power of Community Engagement

Community leaders advocate for film screenings followed by discussions that allow audiences to share their thoughts on representation. This creates a space for dialogue and reflection, enabling viewers to critically engage with content.

By fostering community engagement around film, individuals can collectively challenge stereotypes and advocate for better representation, turning passive viewing into active participation.

Bladerunner 2049.

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Game Of Thrones.

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How I met your mother.

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Experts in marketing emphasize that promoting films with strong representations can lead to successful campaigns. By highlighting diverse narratives, films can attract wider audiences and build brand loyalty.

Marketing strategies should focus on authenticity and inclusivity, showcasing the stories that resonate with diverse demographics. This approach not only benefits film studios but also enriches the cultural landscape.

"Pretty much any stoner comedy."

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When an unremarkable guy wins the dream girl without growth or effort.

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50 first dates.

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Creating Lasting Change

Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating change. She argues that narratives shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

By crafting stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate diversity, filmmakers can contribute to a societal shift toward greater acceptance and empathy. Brown's work highlights the power of vulnerability in storytelling, encouraging creators to embrace this aspect in their narratives.

Dude, Where's My Car?

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Wonder Woman 2017.

"Wonder Woman 2017. Wonder Woman is a super hero in her own right but it took the death of her man to unleash her full potential and defeat evil. The movie literally defined her powers as it related to a man in her life. I almost walked out."

The Godfather

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To promote more nuanced gender representation, experts recommend that filmmakers conduct audience surveys to gauge perceptions of characters and storylines. This feedback can guide future projects and help creators understand the impact of their narratives.

By actively seeking input from audiences, filmmakers can refine their storytelling techniques and create more relatable and authentic characters that resonate with viewers.

The Holiday

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Lost.

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Clockwork Orange

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Bridgerton

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Walking Dead.

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Try Guys.

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Peaky Blinders.

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Movies have a significant impact on how we see the world. When filmmakers show characters accurately and diversely, they make their stories better and help create a more inclusive society.

We must remove stereotypes about women and show them as real, complex people with their goals and desires. Today’s audiences want to see respect and honesty in films, and filmmakers can meet this demand by telling stories that truly reflect life.

In conclusion, the ongoing discourse surrounding gender representation in film highlights the need for change. As experts from various fields assert, audiences are increasingly unwilling to accept outdated stereotypes, and they demand narratives that reflect diverse experiences.

By fostering critical discussions, promoting media literacy, and empowering diverse voices, filmmakers can create a more inclusive cinematic landscape. This shift not only benefits audiences but also enriches the cultural tapestry of storytelling, paving the way for a future where all individuals feel seen and represented in film.