Following on from the abortion in fiction thread, can anyone thinknof a film/ TV show where female masturbation....

[SilverIce]

is shown in a positive light?

I can think of three terrible examples which send a clear message that only "bad" women masturbate:

-- Single White Female
The new room-mate is seen mastrubating in her bedroom....oh! And guess what, she turns out to be a psychopath

-- Presumed Innocent
Harrisson Ford vehicle from the 90s. His wife is a SAHM and one day he comes home from work unexpectedly during the day and discovers her in the bedroom masturbating....oh! And guess what, she turns out to be a murderer, too

-- Black Swan
The horrid, manipulative direcor actually tells Nina to prepare for the role as the black swan by trying to get in touch with her dark side.....yes, by masturbating. Because only women who need to channel their dark alter egos ever masturbate.

So, other than Sex And The City which is the obvious reference point, any positive examples?

Sharon stone in sliver?

Secretary - Maggie Gyhenhall (I can't spell it) going at it in a toilet. Not really positive as such but I can't think of any film that shows male masturbation "positively".

American pie? Not sure if its positive as its ll a bit juvenile but its certainly not negative

Oh I disagree. I think male masturbation is shown in many films as normal and nothing to be embarrassed about. Think American Pie.

But also, films like Adaptation and Fast Times At Ridgemont High. The men might be embarrassed when interupted, but masturbating does not necessarily indicate they are a psychopath.

Sorry, typed too slow, I was disagreeing with Coops79's point that male masturbation is nit shown in a good light either.

There's Something About Mary shows men masturbating before a date.

Scrubs and Mad Men have non-psychopathic characters sit on a washing machine to orgasm.

I suppose I meant that it was generally shown as embarrassing and thus not positive as such but I see your point (can't BEAR the American Pie films so didn't think of that). Secretary shows it positively then but unfortunately in the context of a dodgy S&M relationship.

The Truth About Cats and Dogs has a bit, but then that's in the context of phone sex so maybe not what you're thinking of.

Fran in Black Books.
Amy in Big Bang Theory possibly? She's certainly very, um, direct in her discussions.

2 broke girls. It's discussed in a number of episodes without embarrassment.

Kim in Sugar Rush.
The woman in nine and a half weeks.

Seinfeld episode where they all (including Elaine) have a competition as to who can go the longest without masturbating.

A bit tenuous because she was getting off on a washing machine rather than actually masterbating but Betty Draper on Mad Men.

It was a weird one because she was obviously an unhappy, dissatisfied, bored, depressed character, and this scene was depicting the rather pathetic lengths she had to go to for a 'thrill'.

So on reflection it didn't show it in a positive light - but Betty was a 'good girl' and I suppose it showed it as a normal thing that everyone does.

A subsequent series then depicts Sally, her daughter, masterbating and on learning of it Betty comes down on her like a ton of bricks. I think the word 'fast' was used.

Re-reading, I see ecclesvet has already mentioned it. :)

Also - Tank Girl, I think? Was there a scene in that movie?

I think you need to distinguish between masturbation in drama => sinister and masturbation in comedy => funny
I'm not sure how those two different depictions are then split in a gendered way but then I can't think of any good examples of male masturbation in drama..

OMG Seinfeld, how could I forget?

Oh and Pleasantville of course.

Mulholland Drive. Female masturbation is shown very graphically, though not exactly positively as the character is in a very bad way when she does it. I watched that film with my MIL

Amy from BBT, Fran in BB and Pleasantville sprang to mind. I can't think of any non humorous male references though apart from American Beauty.

I know it's not a film but the Judy Bloom book introduced many a woman to her body at quite a young age, no shame or secrecy, very well handled. Was it "Here's to you Rachel Robinson?"

I know SATC is obvious (where Samantha loses her orgasm) but the less obvious one is Charlotte showing Trey how she masturbates.

Friends I can only think when joey and chandler went straight to their rooms after watching Rachel and Monica kiss. Though Monica's Seven, seven, SEVEN after sketching out erogenous zones for chandler came close.

Goodness yes, SEVEN! Also in friends you have Rachel reading her erotic book and it is implied she "wore out her first copy" while in an unsatisfying relationship.

Good point Punk. And given how "non-explicit" Friends was, that's pretty good!

I'm replaying seven seasons of Buffy in my head but coming up blank - anyone?

I found Friends very right on about sex in an implied way. Phoebe is a woman who knows what she wants, Mike chained to the water pipe, Mike asking how much dirtier it can get and Phoebe just laughing in his face and saying "Oh Mike!". I always liked the character of Phoebe as she's such an individual and stands up for her beliefs and has the strength and confidence to be comfortable with who she is.

Also liked the condom episode with the rock paper scissors for who gets to have sex. One night Monica and Rachel sort the condoms, the next night it's Richard and Ross. Felt it gave a great message about equal responsibility. I remember the writing team giving an interview and that and safe sex was the message they were aiming for.

Punk I agree with you about those examples. But dont search through FWR archIves on sexism in Friends if you want to stay happy...

(Ross "my girlfriend has a job, boohoo" is the biggest culprit, in case you're wondering!)

I'll be happy either way, I can well see the point, I cannot stand Ross.

Surely if the show had no sexism in at all it wouldn't be representative of real life? You can't show strong women standing up for themselves if they have nothing to stand up too? I hated the way Rachel didn't go to Paris, but again not all women do what I think is best and that too is life, and I must accept it. I luffs Friends.