Mumsnet Talk

I was just wondering if anyone would be up for this? Would be based on the same format as the Feminist Book Club, with one film a month, but possibly a bit easier for some of us to keep up with. If anyone is up for this, please let me know.

Yes please - so long as it doesn't involve actually having to go to the cinema (as that involves childcare and late bedtimes )

No, no, was going to keep it to films that have already been released on DVD, as I have a severe lack of childcare atm. And I know childcare isn't a possibility for everyone.

Sounds like a great idea, I always lurk on the book threads and promise myself that I will get the book in future but I suffer from a perpetual lack of funds.
Saw Whip It recently, after seeing it recommended on here and loved it.

Yep sounds like a great idea, I need some recommendations as have no idea of ANY feminist films.

I imagine we'll run out of films quite quickly if they have to be feminist, sadly.

What have you got in mind? Critiquing regular films from a feminist perspective? Bechdel test passers only?

It sounds interesting anyway.

not if they are in vein of The Accused (not that have seen it)

LeBOF, was thinking more of critiquing regular films from a Feminist perspective (the patriarchy has too much of a hold over the film industry) But would happily restrict it to Bechdel passers only.

how would you choose films? Some from each genre?

I don't think it should be restricted to Bechdel passers, that would exclude too many films that would really benefit from a bit of feminist critique.

Well, was willing to do it on the basis of someone recommends one each month? Would gladly do one from each genre, as that way, provides a broader range. If anyone has suggestions on how to decide on films, please let me know.

LeBof, there would probably be enough feminist(or at least feminist-friendly) films for us to watch for a year without scraping the barrel, especially if we could watch foreign-language ones.

I know most films aren't remotely feminist but there are so many films and a tiny minority are ok, which will be enough for one a month.

A Common Thread is good - it's French.

Happy-go-lucky.

Whip It.

Winter's Bone.

I haven't seen the film Precious, but Push is very interesting.

North Country.

So that's 6 months, and Frothy's more of an expert so I'm sure she can think of more.

Channel 4 used to show indie films really late at night in the mid-nineties - some of those were great, not that I can remember any.

If you are looking for suggestions, I recently saw the True Grit remake. I thought the girl was a great strong character, but she is essentially the only female in the whole film.

loads of x-posts - sorry!

i'd be interested. i've found that being on here has lowered even more my tolerance for male-dominated films!

I was wondering if anyone has a problem with the silent era? I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but can think of a few films from the early years which would be very interesting from a feminist perspective. (The films themselves aren't "feminist", but raise some interesting thoughts)

Winter's Bone was recommended by another FSWR regular to me, sounds quite a good one. Any suggestions are welcome.

I steered clear of True Grit, for some reason. Will give that a look. Thank you, Giyadas.

what about moolaade (moolaadé?) it's all very liberating and worthy but feels a bit like a man's idea of how women should effect change and what women's liberation should look like

I liked it though

I'm fine with silent if it's a good, watchable film. (so, like Metropolis).

If it doesn't grab my attention, I might zone out and think about shopping lists.

Still not seen Metropolis, but It (1927, Clarence Badger) was one that caught my interest. Was the first film I'm aware of broaching the subject of stereotypes against single mothers, although was mainly a side plot. Still misogynistic in some parts, however.

It's as depressing as hell but The White Ribbon would be a good one (imho)

The White Ribbon. Would that be about VAW per chance? Just out of curiosity, as it shares the name with the anti-VAW campaign in Australia.

I think films from different eras and countries would be really interesting. Have no problems with silent film either, interesting to see how the portrayal of women has changed over time.
Have seen Precious, it's not a film that I enjoyed as such, but one that I felt needed to be watched iyswim.

No, it's a Michael Haneke film set in a small village in Germany in the period just before WWI. When I saw it it struck me how truthful it seemed to be about the ubiquity of male violence in the lives of the women and girls.

couldn't we watch films made by women instead?