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]] Amadeus (1984) [imdb]

This movie passed 3 of 3 tests. It was entered by Sarah on 2010-01-21 21:12:06.

Reviews

Comments

Sarah said:
There are several women in this movie: Mozart's wife Constanze, Constanze's mother, Salieri's pupil Katerina, and the young maid Lorl.

Past that it's a little tricky. The best example of a bit of dialogue that would complete the criteria is one between Constanze and Lorl, when the latter shows up at the door and refuses to say who sent her to be maid to the Mozarts. It is, in fact, Salieri who has done so, but as the sex of the secret "admirer" is unknown at this point, I don't think it counts as talking specifically about a "man".
Message posted on 2010-01-21 21:12:06
Chris Reynolds disagreed with the rating and said:
I don't think that conversation should count. The audience knows that they're talking about a man, even if they don't. The test is to show how much the plot of movies revolve around men, and this conversation does.
Message posted on 2012-03-04 14:26:20
Scott disagreed with the rating and said:
Sarah's example is the best one that could be chosen from the film, but it is entirely about Salieri and his stalking of Mozart, even if neither is specifically named in that scene. The girl is unknowingly acting as Salieri's pawn, spying on Mozart for him. I love this film, but every moment in it concerns only the two men (or really, only Salieri). This is a rule 3 fail.
Message posted on 2012-03-05 16:50:11
Sammy said:
I always thought the point of the bechdel test was to test women interaction. Either way, if you want to disqualify the anonymous messenger scene, there are other interactions between Lorl and Constanze that are not about men.

Explosively she opens the door.
CONSTANZE
(to Lorl) When can you start? LORL Right away, ma'am.
CONSTANZ Good! Come in. You'll start with that room there.
Message posted on 2013-04-24 20:05:24

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