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

[[2]] Ender's Game (2013) [imdb]

This movie passed 2 of 3 tests (although dubious). It was entered by Dephira on 2013-10-29 21:50:26.

Reviews

Comments

Dephira said:
The only scene featuring two women together that I remember is after Ender's return to earth, when Valentine (Abigail Breslin) storms into her house asking where he is, and her mother responding that they won't let her see him [meaning Ender]. In my view this (albeit JUST BARELY) counts as a conversation, one that is obviously about a man, although I can't remember for sure that Ender's mother is named in the movie (she's credited as Theresa Wiggin).

General Remarks:
Aside from the underutilized Valentine, there are two other major female characters:
- Major Gwen Anderson (Viola Davis) who her own motives and often holds her own against Harrison Ford's character (as far as it is possible for her, since his character is a Colonel and as such ranked above her).
- Petra Arkanian (Hailee Steinfeld) who has the biggest role out of the (non-villanous) recruits and has a pretty big impact on the plot.

That said, the motivations and actions of these two women are still seen solely through the lens of Ender, which is perhaps not surprising considering that the movie is named after him and completely focused on him as pivotal character where all the actions taken by other characters solely matter in the way that they effect Ender.
Message posted on 2013-10-29 21:50:26
RaMaKblog said:
While there are several named female characters, they do not engage with each other.
The tiny exception is the mom says to Valentine, "They won't let me see him." But with no response this hardly qualifies as "they talk to each other" and is certainly about a man (Ender).
Message posted on 2013-11-01 05:19:53
Rick said:
This is a pretty good review of the female characters. The movie does not pass the test. I actually do not think that conversation is between women in that scene. It is more like both women are having conversations with the man.

I don't think there is a single conversation about anything but Ender.
Message posted on 2013-11-06 19:15:56
Not Jay said:
I agree with the rating, but I don't think it is fair to criticize the fact that two womyn never have a conversation in so far as the movie is centered completely on the person of ender (incidentally, if the test is applied to male characters excluding ender the movie also fails), the lack of women is not a problem of gender relations but on e of chance. Also, it is kind of ridiculous to ascribe gendered labels to 4-year-olds who have nothing resembling sexual relationships, which is another reason this movie is not a good candidate for the test
Message posted on 2014-03-02 22:15:36
Risa said:
I agree with the synopsis and outcome of the test, I would also mention the author of the original book was very homophobic so you ma wish to consider that if you plan to see this film.
Message posted on 2014-04-11 17:15:38

> Add comment

> Add review


Back to the list.

Privacy policy