Bechdel Test Movie List

The entire movie revolves around Ali's interactions with Tess and the other burlesque dancers. There are a few scenes devoted to the trite romantic interest, but the actual movie is about the dancing and the club.

This movie might pass the test... But that doesn't mean it's a good movie. It's a horrible movie.

Actually, this film was a lot better than I thought it would be....and one of the reasons why is just HOW MUCH it passes the test. It's a relief to watch a film that is mainly about women pursuing their careers, and where most of the dialogue is about that -- not some romantic plot or being an accessory. It's also great to see an older woman supporting a young one - mentorship - rather than the stereotypes of competition, etc. Sure, some of it is cheesy, but so are most Hollywood films! ;-)

Tess: Which one of these is Nicki's
Ali: Both
Tess: Shit
*Tess picks up both*
Nicki: That's was my shot
Tess: Here's mud in your eye, Nik
*Tess drinks both*
Tess: All right. Now I got a buzz, and you gotta change. You're on.
Nicki: What are you, my mother?

Tess: Where is everybody?
Ali: They went out for pizza. I wasn’t hungry.
*Ali tries applying eyeliner*
Tess: That brush isn’t working ‘cause it’s too old
Ali: Well it’s the only brush I have
*Tess gets hers out of her bag*
Tess: You can use mine. Here.
Ali: Thanks
*Ali puts brush straight into eye liner*
Tess: All right, here. Let me help you. First of all you’ve gotta wet it if you’re gonna get a clean line. Close your eyes. When you are putting on your makeup it’s like you’re an artist, but instead of painting on a canvas you’re painting your face. My mom was a model and she was beautiful. Tall, blonde. Not like me. Body that could stop a truck. And she had these girlfriens, beautiful girls, Colleen and Shirley and they would come over in the morning and they would all put their makeup on together before they went on jobs. Up. We had a big window in the back of our house with a ledge and they would put their mirrors side by side by side and put out their makeup. They had lipsticks and blushes, and it was fabulous. I kept thinking, “God, I cannot wait till I get old enough to play with this junk.” Didn’t you ever watch your mom put on her makeup?

Ali: My mom died when I was 7 and this is my first lesson.
Tess: You know, you won’t be the new girl forever.
*Ali admires makeup*
Ali: Oh, wow
Tess: Beautiful

Tess: Which one of these is Nicki's
Ali: Both
Tess: Shit
*Tess picks up both*
Nicki: That's was my shot
Tess: Here's mud in your eye, Nik
*Tess drinks both*
Tess: All right. Now I got a buzz, and you gotta change. You're on.
Nicki: What are you, my mother?

Tess: Where is everybody?
Ali: They went out for pizza. I wasn’t hungry.
*Ali tries applying eyeliner*
Tess: That brush isn’t working ‘cause it’s too old
Ali: Well it’s the only brush I have
*Tess gets hers out of her bag*
Tess: You can use mine. Here.
Ali: Thanks
*Ali puts brush straight into eye liner*
Tess: All right, here. Let me help you. First of all you’ve gotta wet it if you’re gonna get a clean line. Close your eyes. When you are putting on your makeup it’s like you’re an artist, but instead of painting on a canvas you’re painting your face. My mom was a model and she was beautiful. Tall, blonde. Not like me. Body that could stop a truck. And she had these girlfriens, beautiful girls, Colleen and Shirley and they would come over in the morning and they would all put their makeup on together before they went on jobs. Up. We had a big window in the back of our house with a ledge and they would put their mirrors side by side by side and put out their makeup. They had lipsticks and blushes, and it was fabulous. I kept thinking, “God, I cannot wait till I get old enough to play with this junk.” Didn’t you ever watch your mom put on her makeup?

Ali: My mom died when I was 7 and this is my first lesson.
Tess: You know, you won’t be the new girl forever.
*Ali admires makeup*
Ali: Oh, wow
Tess: Beautiful

This is a beautiful movie. It is able to balance the sexy imagery of a female that is so commonly dissed today, and a headstrong, vocal female lead that is the centre of modern feminism.