The Rule for Watching Movies- The Bechdale Test
The original cartoon setting the rules that would later become the Bechdale test, published in Dykes to Watch for in 1985.
The Bechdale test was developed by Alison Bechdale, with the help of her friend Liz Wallace who was inspired by Virginia Woolf. They were inspired to question the roles of women in cinema, like some before them have (think Laura Mulvey). The test first appeared in the comic strip Dykes to Watch For, in 1985, but did not become popular until the 2000’s when more variants were added to the test.
a modern take on the test from chainsawsuit.com
In order for a film to pass the test, it must have two female characters who talk to each other, about something other than a man (some also require the women to have names). This test is important for film lovers and feminist alike. Although not without its flaws the Bechdale test, does at least force us to think about the roles women play and how they relate to the male characters in films. Here is a surprising list of famous films that have FAILED the test:
The Original Star Wars Trilogy
The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part 2
New York Film Academy
My challenge for you today is to think about the movies we choose to watch, would they pass this test? And finally, we must ask ourselves why a test like this is important. Can you name one movie that passes this test? Think about it!
