I’d like to start by welcoming back readers. Whether you follow the blog daily or are completely new to the Shout Out! experience, I hope that you enjoy another great semester of posts. I’m pleased to be back at Shout Out! for my final semester at James Madison University.
This time around, I have decided to go a different route with my posts. Those who have read my previous work know that my writing spanned a range of topics which included the NFL, Boy Scouts, media portrayal, idealism, and Malala Yousafzai—to name a few. One post that I particularly enjoyed writing was a discussion of the James Bond movie, Skyfall, from a feminist perspective. Not only did I enjoy writing the piece, but I also noticed a strong reader response. Which brings me to my plan for my posts….
….movie reviews!
Some may argue that it seems incredibly trivial to discuss and post about movies when there is so much feminist/gender/intersectional content going on in the world. Media portrayal is important, but there are many more pressing issues to discuss.
Though I recognize the potential for criticism, I also think that there is much to be gained by running a series about movies. I mentioned at the end of last semester that I felt that I needed to evaluate what I wanted to accomplish as a blogger. My goal has always been accessibility. I think that discussing movies is an excellent way to encourage feminist discourse. You don’t need a background in feminism to acknowledge gender issues in film. You don’t have to have extensive knowledge of feminist scholars to give your opinion about the way movies represent various societal issues.
It is with the goal of inclusion in mind that I go about reviewing movies from a feminist lens. I plant to look at a variety of films that I feel create an opportunity for larger discussion. Some of these will be due to positive aspects, some due to negative, and some that contain elements of both.
So that’s my idea. I’m going to look at movies (both in theaters now and previously released) that I feel exemplify feminist elements—good and bad. I believe that film can be a window into our culture—where we were, where we are, and where we are heading. If you are interested, check out my weekly post series: The Feminist Lens—Movie Reviews.
I would completely disagree that analyzing movies through a feminist lens is in any way trivial. You nailed it when you said that film can be a window into our culture. Movies are a commonplace forum for perpetuating societal norms, as well as challenging them. Movie reviews are common, but I’m not familiar with too many sources that bear a feminist perspective in mind while reviewing them. As such, your approach promises to be fresh, relevant, and accessible. Looking forward to reading your upcoming work!
Thanks! I will definitely try to come up with some interesting movies to look at.
I am very excited to read your blogs! I loooove movies, all different kinds and I always find myself noticing feminist aspects throughout movies all the time. I think this basis for your blog posts is a great idea!! It will be very interesting and intriguing!!
Thanks!