Bechdel Test Movie List

I was really surprised to see that X-men didn't pass the Bechdel test, since it's one of my favorite movies and I'd never noticed a lack of communication between the female characters (although I guess that's the point of this project :) ). Anyway, I dug out my DVD and skimmed through it. Here's what I found:

- After Rogue gets stabbed by / absorbs Logan's powers, she says to Ororo, "It was an accident." I don't know if this counts as "talking" since it was only one line, not a conversation.

- There is another scene shortly after, where "Bobby" approaches Rogue to let her know that she is in trouble for using her powers on another mutant, and that she should leave the Institute before things get worse for her. "Bobby" is actually Mystique in disguise (her eyes flash yellow at the end of the scene). Technically, it's two women who are talking to each other about something other than a man... but one of the characters doesn't know it. That still counts, though, doesn't it?

In the extended edition, Ororo talks to Rogue about her powers as she enrolls in the school.

I agree with Meg about Mystique, seeing as it was actually a woman in disguise.

I agree with Meg, the Mystique/Rogue conversation passes; even if Rogue doesn't know she's talking to a woman, Mystique obviously does, and she deliberately chose her disguise. 3/3 from moi.

Sorry Gaith... the Mystique/Rogue conversation is all about how Xavier is supposedly angry with Rogue. He's a bloke. So it doesn't help the movie pass the test.

Also, one line from Rogue to Ororo can't count as one line is not a conversation - by definition.

I don't think you can count scenes from the extended edition - sorry :-)

A good movie - but it doesn't pass the test!

Actually, Michelle, the professor is only mentioned in one line of the Mystique!Bobby/Rogue dialogue, the rest of it is about how she freaked everyone out and to "NEVER use your powers against another mutant".

So this movie earns a pass, I'd say.

Belated reply to Michelle, but I agree with Gen - Mystique (as Bobby) only mentions Xavier in passing, in the context with everyone being furious at/freaked out by her. Here's the full exchange:


Mystique: Rogue.
Rogue: Bobby.
Mystique: Rogue, what did you do? They say that you're stealing other mutants powers.
Rogue: No, no. I...I...I borrowed his powers.
Mystique: You never use your power against another mutant.
Rogue: I had no choice... No, you...you have to understand me...
Mystique: If I were you, I'd get myself out of here.
Rogue: What do you mean?
Mystique: Listen, the students are freaked. Professor Xavier's furious. I don't know what he'll do with you.... I think it'll be easier on your own. You should go.

So Mystique mentions a man, yes, but the conversation is not *about* a man - it's definitely about Rogue, her actions, how she's perceived by the co-ed school, and, implicitly but obviously, about her future. ;)

I agree with the others. The interaction is not about a man. It's about what Rogue did. It also counts because Mystique is a woman. The script relies on two women and their unique attributes to move the story along. Rogue's vulnerability and naiveté and Mystique's cunning and shape-shifting abilities. Without those two aspects, the plot (getting Rogue alone, so she can be kidnapped) won't happen.

This should be a clear pass.

even if you count it as the two talking about a man, it at least passed the second test.

I agree with the others. The conversation between the two named women isn't about a man.

Arguing if Mystique in this scene counts as a man or a woman, leads to other discussions, like transgendered characters in movies, main characters in movies played by a male, where they could just as easily have been portrayed by a female (Mystique could have morphed into Storm and told Rogue to leave).

Yeah this should definitely be a pass. The Rogue/Mystique conversation counts for sure.

First they talk about her encounter with Wolverine, then about the Professor. Sad to say, I don't think this can pass

I agree with Gaith, Mistique and Rogue are talking about her powers and the way she's using it. It should pass!