The film industry is mainly men-dominated, but it’s important to recognize women in the industry as filmmakers or even women-dominated/feminist movies. In recognition of Women’s History Month, here are some important feminist films recs, women-dominated movies, and movies directed by women.
To Die For (1995) – Feminist Film
If you love a spicy comedy crime movie then this is perfect for you! Directed by Gus Van Sant, it stars Nicole Kidman as the lead as well as Joaquin Phoenix, Casey Affleck, and Alison Folland. Kidman plays the character of Suzanne Stone, a woman obsessed with becoming a famous television personality. She is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal, including manipulating and seducing a young man named Jimmy, to murder her husband, played by Matt Dillon. The film is known for its satirical take on media culture and its commentary on the lengths people will go to in order to achieve fame and success. Kidman’s performance as the cunning and manipulative Suzanne Stone received critical acclaim and earned her a Golden Globe. A film with great camp and lots of fun, To Die For is criminally underrated! Suzanne Stone is a girl-bossing female villain who never lets a man dominate her.
Dogfight (1991) – Directed by a woman/feminist film
Want a cute romance movie set in the 60s? Dogfight is the perfect one! It’s directed by Nancy Savoca and stars River Phoenix and Lili Taylor. The film is set in San Francisco in 1963 and follows the story of three young Marines who spend their last night before being deployed to Vietnam looking for a “dogfight”, a cruel and sexist contest in which each of them brings the ugliest girl they can find to a party, and the one with the ugliest girl wins a cash prize. One of the Marines, Eddie, played by Phoenix, meets Rose, played by Taylor, a shy and awkward young woman who works at a diner. Eddie invites Rose to the party, not realizing that she is the most beautiful girl he has ever met. As they spend the night together, Eddie begins to see Rose as a person rather than an object to be judged. Rose is a strong female protagonist and she shows in the film that she is not an object for a man to use her. The film explores themes of masculinity, sexism, and the effects of war on young men. It portrays the toxic culture of the Marines at the time and the objectification of women. However, it also shows the transformative power of love and the ability of people to change. “Dogfight” received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and its sensitive handling of its themes. The film remains a cult classic and a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas.
The Love Witch (2016) – Feminist film/directed by a woman
Calling all Lana Del Rey lovers and 60s enthusiasts! From the costumes to the camera quality, it looks like a film pulled out from 1965. The film tells the story of Elaine, a beautiful young witch who moves to a small town in California to start a new life. She uses her magic to seduce men, but her desire for love and her search for the perfect partner leads her down a dangerous path. The film is a tribute to 1960s and 1970s horror films and was made using many of the same techniques, including elaborate sets, costumes, and makeup. It was also shot on 35mm film to create a vintage look and feel. The Love Witch explores themes of femininity, power, and the dangers of toxic relationships. The film challenges traditional gender roles and expectations by portraying a female character who is both empowered and vulnerable. It also satirizes the idea of love as an idealized concept and the unrealistic expectations that can come with it. The film received critical acclaim for its unique style, stunning visuals, and strong performances, particularly by lead actress Samantha Robinson. The Love Witch is an intoxicating blend of mystical horror, sexual thriller, technicolor cinematography, and campy designs. The film opposes the male gaze by men and turns it into the female gaze which shows how Elaine views men. The feminism in the film shows that she is a female movie villain without becoming a dehumanized monstrosity. It remains a cult favorite and a must-see for fans of horror-comedy and feminist cinema.
Jennifer’s Body (2009) – Directed by a woman/Feminist film
A horror movie about girl power, Megan Fox plays Jennifer Check and Amanda Seyfried plays Needy Lesnicky. Karyn Kusama is the director. Although it looks like a film made for the male gaze, the underlying feminist message is a lot deeper. When a demon takes possession of Jennifer, she turns a hungry eye on guys who never stood a chance with her before and starts eating them. Her best friend Needy is the only one who tries to stop her. This film uses the male gaze to lure in viewers but shows that it’s more than that. Jennifer uses her overpowering sexuality to take revenge on the gender that did her wrong. The film explores themes of female sexuality, friendship, and the dangers of toxic relationships. It satirizes the objectification of women in horror films and subverts the “male gaze” by placing the female characters in positions of power. It also comments on the pressure that teenage girls face to conform to societal expectations of beauty and popularity. Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, Jennifer’s Body has since gained a cult following and been re-evaluated as a feminist horror film. The performances of Fox and Seyfried have been praised, for the film’s dark humor and subversive themes. It’s overall an edgy teen horror comedy with commentary on the male gaze.
You might also like to read: 7 Great Films Directed By Women
But I’m A Cheerleader (1999) – Directed by a woman/Feminist film
Who doesn’t love a campy 90s cult classic?? Directed by Jamie Babbit, it stars Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall. Megan, a teenager is sent to a conversion camp after her parents think she’s gay. While there, Megan meets a rebellious and unashamed teen lesbian, Graham. Though Megan still feels confused, she starts to have feelings for her. The film satirizes the concept of conversion therapy and the idea that homosexuality can be “cured.” It explores themes of sexual identity, conformity, and self-discovery. Through its humorous and campy style, the film challenges societal norms and expectations of gender and sexuality. The film has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters and its positive message about self-acceptance and finding one’s own identity. But I’m a Cheerleader has become a cult classic and a beloved film within the LGBTQ+ community.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) – Feminist film/Written by a woman
An oldie but a goodie! Directed by Howard Hawks and written by Anita Loos, it’s one of the most iconic films in the cinema, but it still hasn’t gotten the feminist recognition it deserves. Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell are the most alluring and perfect duo in this and they play off each other well. The film follows two showgirls, Lorelei Lee, and Dorothy Shaw as they travel to Paris on a luxury ocean liner but encounter many odd problems. Lorelei is pursued by wealthy men who are drawn to her beauty, while Dorothy is more practical and skeptical of men. Along the way, they sing and dance to classic songs like “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” and “A Little Girl from Little Rock.” Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is known for its iconic performances by Monroe and Russell, as well as its lavish sets and costumes. The film is a celebration of femininity and glamour, with Monroe’s character serving as a symbol of feminine allure and sexuality. The film also satirizes the idea of women using their beauty to manipulate men, while simultaneously celebrating the power that women can have through their femininity. The film received critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a beloved classic. Its songs and performances have become iconic, and the film’s influence can still be seen in popular culture today. This movie was truly ahead of its time, it subverts traditional gender roles by presenting the females as confident and independent. They are portrayed as smart and savvy women who are in control of their own lives which was rare for a film in the 50s. If you love comedy and musicals then this is the perfect film for you!
American Psycho (2000) – Directed by a Woman
Mary Harron’s cult classic is iconic. It stars Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Samantha Mathis, and Jared Leto. In 1987, a handsome, young urban professional, Patrick Bateman lives a second life as a serial killer by night. This is a biting, wry comedy examining the elements that make a man a monster. The film explores themes of consumerism, narcissism, and violence. It satirizes the superficiality and excess of the 1980s, as well as the toxic masculinity of Wall Street culture. The film is known for its graphic violence and disturbing portrayal of the main character’s descent into madness. Despite the controversy surrounding the film, it has been praised for its sharp satire, social commentary, and Christian Bale’s performance as Patrick Bateman. The film has become a cult classic and is considered a defining film of the 2000s. It has also been analyzed as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the dehumanizing effects of a society focused solely on material wealth. If you love dark comedies and thrillers than American Psycho is the perfect film for you!
Honey Boy (2019) – Directed by a Woman
Honey Boy is a 2019 American drama film directed by Alma Har’el and written by Shia LaBeouf, who also stars in the film. The movie is loosely based on LaBeouf’s own life and experiences as a child actor and explores themes of trauma, family, and the struggles of Hollywood stardom. The film follows Otis, a young actor played by Noah Jupe, and his tumultuous relationship with his abusive, alcoholic father, played by LaBeouf. As Otis navigates the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, he must also confront his troubled past and the emotional scars left by his father. Honey Boy has been praised for its raw, emotional performances and its honest portrayal of the effects of childhood trauma. The film also received acclaim for its exploration of the complexities of family relationships and the lasting impact of past experiences. LaBeouf’s portrayal of his own father has been particularly noted as a standout performance, and the film has been recognized as a powerful and cathartic exploration of personal healing and growth.
