What are these “Feminist Films?”
So I was reading up on Coco avant Chanel on Fandango, wondering specifically what genre it had been grouped in. I assumed a combination of biopic and drama, but what I also came across got me thinking. Coco avant Chanel had been grouped in a typically new genre (at least, I had never heard of it) called “Feminist Film.”
This lead me to conclude that Coco avant Chanel, which is based around legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel, brings up ideas of feminism. Which, based on my understanding of the film, means that a Feminist Film is a movie about a strong, independent woman finding success in her skills, in herself, and in her happiness.
Now a “Feminist Film” is defined as a “film with feminist themes.” (Wikipedia) What I am confused about is why Coco avant Chanel has to labeled as a “Feminist Film.” Why can it not be seen as simply a dramatic story about an independently capable woman? There are hundreds upon hundreds of movies about strong, indepndent men, but they are not labeled as “Masculinist,” are they?
The Pursuit of Happyness, for example, isn’t a film that highlights the successes of Will Smith’s character as a male finding success, but as a person overcoming the seemingly impossible because he found the strength, perseverance, and determination within himself. Not once was it highlighted the importance of him being a man.
But if Will Smith had been Thandi Newton’s character instead, would it have been deemed a “Feminist Film?” Would the fact that this success was achieved by (god forbid!) a woman only then be highlighted as significant to the meaning of the story?
Why does the fact that it is based on a woman have to contribute to the definition, theme, and meaning behind the film? Why is not admired for being simply a story about a successful woman, focusing on the story of her early years… gender aside?
Feminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights and legal protections for women. (Wikipedia) Coco avant Chanel is not a Feminist Film. It is not a movement, it does not wish to establish women’s rights nor highlight any sort of female empowerment. Coco Chanel is a woman, and the film highlights her successes, so it is true that Coco avant Chanel can be perceived as a female empowering story. In fact, that was one of the contributing factors to why I liked the film so much. Personally, I could relate to her more closely because she is a woman. Her story is inspiring, though not because she is a woman, but because of who she is as a person.
No where in the movie did Coco Chanel have to fight because she was a woman. She is a woman, so things in her life did affect her as a woman. For example, she was looked down upon as a woman who did not conform with other female fashion. However, she wasn’t standing up for feminist rights and recognition, but only for herself, as a person.
Another movie that is considered a “Feminist Film” is A League of Their Own. (changesurfer) Now this, I can agree with. One of the central points of the film surrounds around the fact that they are women playing baseball. It is highlighted as an important factor in the meaning and comprehension of the film. Coco avant Chanel only highlights Coco’s tale of psychological turmoil and legendary talent. Nothing of what Coco was capable of was subject to her being of female gender.
I am all for feminism. In fact, if asked, I would label myself as a feminist. Therefore, when feminism is being used as a degrading factor in the grouping of films whose main character is a woman, that deeply disturbs me.
