Represtation Timeline

Representation Timeline - Female in Media and Film

→ 2000 - Charlie's Angles

In 2000, the movie Charlie's Angels with a predominant female cast was previewed in cinemas and swiftly became a essential symbol of Girl Power. The main characters were strong, independent and beautiful women who fought crime but also had many men find them attractive. However, the box office hit aroused quite the controversy as feminists found the action film to be filled with many sexual innuendos and stereotypically male fantasies. This is clearly evident in the impractical attire the women wear when engaging in physical fights. The tight outfits paired with high heels are instead used to be viewed as desirable in the eyes of men proving that their was a tremendous emphasis on the need for the women to appear sexy. It could be argued that the main target audience of the movie was a male audience instead of to empower women.

→ 2001 - Legally Blonde

In the year 2001 the hollywood movie, Legally blonde was released to the public and had a very different approach to feminism to the movie Charlie's Angels. This is because the character Elle Woods is judged and underestimated by others due to her appearance and interests. However, she shows that although she enjoys getting dolled up and express herself through traditionally feminine means it does not imply that she is not 'smart enough' to go to law school. The character continues to go against many stereotypes throughout the duration of the film illustrating that having an interest in 'superficial' things is not a weakness. Moreover, there are many essential events within the story line which are good lessons about feminism for a younger audience of girls. For instance, when Elle does not encourage her professor's sexually inappropriate gestures and instead stands up for herself which turns out to have great consequences for herself at the end. 
                                                                                                                                                                  
→ 2012 - The Hunger Games


Eleven years later the movie The Hunger Games was debuted in 2012, which was a huge success. The movie received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback as it showed an equality in gender roles that women can also be strong, skilled and a leader. Moreover, unlike other action movies where the female protagonist is overly sexualised to look appealing the character of Katniss Everdeen is not. Instead she displays traditionally male skills such as archery and hunting as a result of the death of her father which has lead to her having to step up to the role of becoming the 'man of the house' or 'provider' as her mother is seen to be struggling to cope with her lost. 

→ 2016 - Hidden Figures

Four years later, in the year 2016 the movie Hidden Figures was released uncovering the many struggles women have faced over the years due to the inequality between men and women. The movie denotes three women who had a vital contribution in sending the first man into space however where continuously fighting against misogynistic attitudes within their place or work and society. Despite the women's important work their contribution made in the 1960's are swept under the rug and not acknowledged until a more recent time period  showing that their fight and struggles were all done in silent.


→ 2019 - Hustlers

The most recent movie to be debuted and have strong female roles is the movie Hustlers. Although the movie revolved around the controversial true story of strippers who druged and robbed wallstreet men, the characters actions were not excused the women but instead were explained. The movie was a celebration of  womenhood and therefore made the audience's judgment of their crime to be ambiguous. Many people view stripping to be liberatting and empowering as women are using their talents to entertain and make a honest living. Moreover, the womens stories and circumstances which leads them to strip are shown in a harsh light making them seem like the victim however it becomes easier when the women form their own little family. The real aim of the film is to idolise female friendship which streams from the shared desire of financial freedom.