Bechdel Test Movie List

/bech·del test/ n.
1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man

[[3]] Teeth (2007) [imdb]

This movie passed 3 of 3 tests (although dubious). It was entered by Ammie on 2010-07-19 22:23:57.

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Comments

Ammie said:
Two conversations, both in the presence of a man (Dawn's father).

The first is between Dawn and her mother, Kim, concerning her day to day life. This would fit, but again, it's in the presence of a man and it's easily a three-way conversation.

The second is a one-way conversation where Melanie reveals to Dawn that Brad had instructed her to ignore her mother writhing. It's sort of about a man: in Melanie's eyes it's a confession about something she did. In Dawn's eyes, it's very much about Brad.

Rather ironic for a movie that's an elaborate metaphor for female empowerment to barely pass the Bechdel test.
Message posted on 2010-07-19 22:23:57
Nellie disagreed with the rating and said:
Ok, the examples posted where a man present but the two women are talking to EACH OTHER, should make this movie pass. Unless they are somehow mentioning a man, nowhere on the very simple criteria does it say a man cannot be present.
Message posted on 2010-12-15 07:10:23
Lenore disagreed with the rating and said:
What, Dawn's celibacy club friend doesn't exist or something?
What about Dawn being ridiculed? Yes, a lot of this revolves around the issue of celibacy, and Dawn's friend feels she's pulling back from "the promise" which they talk about, but they talk about other stuff. For instance, in trying to avoid gratuitous sexuality they find themselves infantilized as pretty much the only option is a kid's cartoon at the movies.
Message posted on 2011-02-15 14:47:40
Susie said:
Teeth has a female protagonist. However it is quite necessary to have one when you want to make a movie about a vagina with teeth, which seems like it was to the director's dismay as every other female in the movie is a wife or girlfriend, and neither are named or have much to say.


However, considering that it's a film made in 2007, the fact that it included a female protagonist and we actually get to see that she has thoughts and feelings and worries about more than just shopping, it's good for the noughties standards, but only for the noughties. I'm not saying we should lower our expectations, this film is nowhere near perfect. But at least it's about women's sexuality, and it acknowledges that even nice guys are rapists, who deserve to have their dicks bitten off. I also love how we're not supposed to care about them when they die, because they are rapist assholes, thank you very much, good night.
Message posted on 2012-09-24 22:33:36

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