Bechdel Test Movie List

Description:

Dr. Arroway and Rachel discuss what the encrypted pages of text mean and how long it will take.

In another scene, one asks the other where to get a really nice dress.

In yet another scene, they talk about what the blueprints mean, what type of machine it is (with some interjection from male characters)

I agree with the rating and comments, but when Dr. Arroway asks Rachel for a really nice dress, she wants the dress to impress Palmer Joss. So, it's kinda a conversation about guys. Just that little scene. But what's nice about that scene is precisely the fact that a hardcore scientist as Ellie is not devoid of "earthly" concerns such as the party dress...

The interactions between Ellie and Rachel are short but do an excellent job of establishing the tense politics of the situation they are in. This movie gets particularly high marks in my book for doing such a good job of explaining the current scientific theories / hypothesizes on extra terrestrial life and having a female scientist be the lead.

I agree with the rating, I disagree with nashira about Ellie's motivation for getting the dress. Maybe she just wants to look nice for the shindig. We don't know why. Attaching unspoken motive to the actual conversation is unproductive except as a separate mental exercise from the Bechdel Test.