Bechdel Test vs Mako Mori Test

Summary

In this video, Rowan explores the Bechdel and Mako Mori tests, tools for analyzing film narratives from a feminist perspective. The Bechdel test assesses if a film has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man, while the Mako Mori test checks for a female character with her own story arc that isn't just supporting a male lead's. Despite their limitations, these tests are valuable for sparking conversations about representation and biases in the film industry, encouraging a more inclusive and diverse storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The Bechdel Test evaluates films based on three criteria: having more than one named female character, these characters talking to each other, and their conversation being about something other than a man.
• 🌐 The test gained prominence due to its use in online criticism and the introduction of a Bechdel film rating system in Sweden.
• 🤔 Some confusion exists around what the test indicates and how the rating impacts a film, with many high-regarded films failing the test.
• 🎥 Despite failing the Bechdel Test, some films feature strong female characters and are considered feminist by some viewers.
• 👥 The Mako Mori test, proposed by a Tumblr user in 2013, assesses if a film has at least one female character with her own story arc that isn't supporting a man's.
• 🔄 Both tests are tools for analyzing media's portrayal of female characters, not definitive measures of a film's feminist stance or quality.
• 🗣️ The Bechdel Test is simple to apply and can initiate conversations about the representation of women in film, including the examination of the reverse Bechdel Test for male characters.
• 🚫 Critics argue that the Bechdel Test doesn't signify quality and can be misleading if misunderstood as an ultimate feminist standard.
• 🌟 The Mako Mori test is more subjective and acknowledges the importance of individual female characters' story arcs, even in films with few female roles.
• 🤝 Using both tests together can encourage comprehensive discussions about gender representation in media and challenge creators to consider their biases.

Q & A

What is the Bechdel test?

The Bechdel test is a measure used to evaluate the representation of women in films. To pass the test, a film must have at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man.

What was the origin of the Bechdel test?

The Bechdel test originated from a conversation in Alison Bechdel's comic strip 'Dykes to Watch Out For'.

Why did the Bechdel test gain more attention?

The Bechdel test gained more attention due to its widespread use in online criticism and discourse, and also because Sweden introduced a Bechdel film rating system.

What is the purpose of the Bechdel test?

The purpose of the Bechdel test is to highlight the presence of female characters in films who have their own narratives and relationships, rather than serving as mere love interests or supporting roles to male characters.

What are some criticisms of the Bechdel test?

Some criticisms of the Bechdel test include its simplicity, which may not account for the depth and complexity of female characters, and its potential to mislabel films with strong female leads that technically fail the test.

What is the Mako Mori test?

The Mako Mori test is a more recent evaluation tool designed to assess the presence of a well-developed female character in a film. A film passes the test if it has at least one female character with her own story arc that is not primarily in support of a male character's story.

How does the Mako Mori test differ from the Bechdel test?

The Mako Mori test focuses on the presence of a female character with a significant and independent story arc, whereas the Bechdel test evaluates the film based on the presence of conversations between female characters about topics other than men.

What are the potential issues with using the Mako Mori test?

The Mako Mori test can be criticized for potentially perpetuating the 'Smurfette principle,' where a single female character is given a story arc while the majority of characters are male, or for being too subjective in determining what constitutes a 'story arc.'

Why are both the Bechdel and Mako Mori tests important?

Both tests are important because they can be used in combination to open up conversations about the representation of women in media. They highlight different aspects of female characters and can prompt discussions about biases and the need for more diverse and complex female roles in films.

How can the Bechdel and Mako Mori tests be used effectively?

These tests can be used effectively by applying them to films to stimulate discussion and self-critique within the industry. They serve as conversation starters to examine biases and the representation of women, rather than as definitive measures of a film's quality or feminist stance.

What is the 'reverse Bechdel test' mentioned in the script?

The 'reverse Bechdel test' is a concept where one examines if a film has more than two named male characters who have a conversation about something other than a woman, highlighting the prevalence of male-centric narratives in films.