Rooney Mara’s Captivating Portrayal In ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Proves Lisbeth Salander Still a Feminist Icon
Posted on December 27, 2011
Lisbeth Salander consumes my thoughts. I’ve spent the last year and a half reading, writing, analyzing, debating and discussing the punk hacker. As a huge fan of the books and the original Swedish films, I was NOT excited to see … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged David Fincher, films, gender, Girl With Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist, Noomi Rapace, Rooney Mara, Stieg Larsson | 3 Comments
Why I’m Not Excited to See Hollywood’s ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’
Posted on December 20, 2011
Studio execs worry if women will go see Hollywood’s remake of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Some speculate it’s because of the graphic trailer or the holiday release. I’ll be seeing it tonight. But count me in as one of … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged Daniel Craig, David Fincher, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander, Mikael Blomkvist, Rooney Mara | 2 Comments
Before Premiere of ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ Remake, Revisit the Original Film & Lisbeth Salander’s Badassery
Posted on December 19, 2011
If you’ve read my film reviews, you might know by obsession with Lisbeth Salander. Having read all the books and seen the original Swedish films, I adore the strong female protagonist. An introverted and brilliant researcher and hacker, she aids … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged women, films, movies, Lisbeth Salander, Noomi Rapace, Millennium Trilogy, Girl With A Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara | Leave a comment
A Fine Frenzy: With an Outspoken Anti-Heroine and a Feminist Lens, ‘Young Adult’ Is My Favorite Film of the Year
Posted on December 16, 2011
Cross-posted at Bitch Flicks. We so often see men in films as wayward fuck-ups. Ben Stiller in Greenberg, Zach Braff in Garden State, Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets all fill this role. Selfish asshats who do the … Continue reading →
Posted in Women and Gender, Films | Tagged Charlize Theron, films, gender, movies, women, Young Adult | 3 Comments | Edit
Animated Children’s Films Series at Bitch Flicks: Despite an Intelligent Heroine, Beauty Obsession, Sexism & Stockholm Syndrome Taint Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Posted on December 11, 2011
Originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their Animated Children’s Films Series. An intelligent, strong-willed, female protagonist. Who reads books. And seeks adventure. With a heroine like Belle, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, must be a feminist-minded film. Right?? … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged gender, sexism, films, movies, Disney, animation, Beauty and the Beast | 3 Comments
Why Feminist Reviews of Animated Children’s Films at ‘Bitch Flicks’ Matter
Posted on December 5, 2011
Media affects how we view gender roles and identity. Children learn gender performance through movies, books, and TV. So all this week, and last week too, my fave feminist blog Bitch Flicks is featuring posts analyzing gender and female characters … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 1 Comment
‘War Redefined’ Challenges War as a Male Domain & Examines How Violent Conflict Impacts Women in ‘Women, War & Peace’ Series
Posted on November 28, 2011
When we think of war, we often think of soldiers, tanks, weapons and battlefields. But most wars breach boundaries, affecting civilians, mostly women and children. Soldiers, guerillas and paramilitaries use tactics such as rape, fear, murder and pushing people off … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Politics, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged PBS, security, war, War Redefined, women, Women War & Peace | Leave a comment
Afro-Colombian Female Leaders Defy Death Threats to Hold Onto Their Land in ‘Women, War & Peace’s ‘The War We Are Living’
Imagine you walk into your home. An eviction notice awaits you. The government demands you relocate in order to dig up your land. If you choose not to leave, you receive death threats. This is the reality many Colombian civilians … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Politics, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged Colombia, films, PBS, security, The War We Are Living, war, women, Women War & Peace | 1 Comment
Why I’m Excited About Pixar’s ‘Brave’ & Its Kick-Ass Female Protagonist…Even If She Is Another Princess
Posted on November 19, 2011
A few days ago, Disney’s Pixar released its trailer for its newest animated film, Brave. Why is this such a huge deal? Why am I so freaking excited to see it?? Because out of the 12 films Pixar has produced, … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged animation, Brave, Disney, films, gender, girls, movies, Pixar | 2 Comments
Afghan Women Fight to Not Have Their Rights Bargained Away in ‘Peace Unveiled’ in ‘Women, War & Peace’ Series
Posted on November 8, 2011
For the past year, revolutions swept across North Africa and the Middle East. Despite their vocal presence, the media didn’t initially display women’s involvement in the protests and negotiations. The same could be said in Afghanistan. It appeared the strides … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Politics, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged Afghanistan, Hasina Safi, PBS, Peace Unveiled, Shahida Hussein, Shinkai Karokhail, Women War & Peace | Leave a comment
‘Pray the Devil Back to Hell’ in ‘Women, War & Peace’ Portrays How the Women of Liberia, United in Peace, Changed a Nation
Posted on November 8, 2011
Men often dominate the debate of war, negotiation and even peace. Only one woman had ever won the Nobel Peace Prize in Africa. Until now. Last month, three women won the prize, including Leymah Gbowee and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (along … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Politics, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, Liberia, PBS, Pray the Devil Back to Hell, Women War & Peace | Leave a comment
Bitch Flicks Horror Week 2011: Ellen Ripley, a Feminist Film Icon, Battles Horrifying Aliens…and Patriarchy
Posted on October 28, 2011
Originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their Horror Week 2011 series. When I was 10 years old, the scariest movie I ever saw was Aliens. I remember the first time I saw it like it was yesterday. Late … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged Alien, Aliens, Ellen Ripley, feminist, films, gender, horror, movies, Sigourney Weaver, women | Leave a comment
Women in Horror Films Week at Bitch Flicks!
Posted on October 25, 2011
In October, I love seeing the leaves change color, visiting historic Salem to learn about the frightful witch trials, and of course watching scary movies. With Halloween right around the corner, this marks the perfect time to celebrate horror films, … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged films, gender, horror, movies, women | Leave a comment
Documentary ‘Miss Representation’ Premiering on OWN Is a Must-See Film
Posted on October 19, 2011
If you have cable, you simply must watch the phenomenal documentary Miss Representation, airing TOMORROW night, 10/20 at 9pm EST on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network. I had the privilege to see it at the Athena Film Festival in NYC … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged documentary, gender, media, sexism, women | 2 Comments
Guest Post: Cracked.com Makes Obnoxious Assumptions While Critiquing Hollywood’s Obnoxious Assumptions
Posted on October 18, 2011
Written by Stephanie Rogers. Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Cross-posted with permission. Last week, I somehow ended up on Cracked.com reading a post called, “6 Obnoxious Assumptions Hollywood Makes About Women.” It’s no surprise that I ended up there, given … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Guest Posts, Women and Gender | Tagged films, gender, Hollywood, movies, sexism, women | 2 Comments
Warriors & Peacemakers: Innovative PBS Documentary Series ‘Women, War and Peace’ Explores Women’s Role in Conflict
Posted on October 4, 2011
Cross-posted at Fem2pt0. As crystallized in the coverage of the North African revolutions, journalists, media pundits and the public often forget women’s participation in conflict and security. When people discuss war, they often don’t take women or gender into account. … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, TV, Women and Gender | Tagged documentary, films, gender, PBS, peace, security, TV, war, women, Women War & Peace | 2 Comments
Best Picture Nominee Review Series for Bitch Flicks: ‘The Reader’
Posted on August 8, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
This post is written by The Opinioness, originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their “Best Picture Nominee Review Series.” When we read books or watch movies, we often do so to feel inspired, educate ourselves or escape our … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Tagged film, gender, genocide, Kate Winslet, movies, Ralph Fiennes, The Holocaust, The Reader, women | Leave a comment
Start a !WAR: Documentary “!Women Art Revolution” Unveils Convergence of Feminism, Activism and Art
Posted on July 12, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. Let’s play a game. Name three artists…go on. Now who comes to mind? Picasso? Monet? Michelangelo? Now what if I asked you to name three female artists. You probably would think of Frida Kahlo or … Continue reading →
Posted in Women and Gender, Films | Tagged gender, women, art, films, documentary, !Women Art Revolution | Leave a comment
The Feminine Mystique? A Feminist Flashback Review of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
Posted on June 14, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. When I was young, my mom raised me on classic films: Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, The Great Escape, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I fondly remember watching Elizabeth Taylor on-screen. Hollywood royalty, we often think of … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Leave a comment
Guest Post: So This Feminist Walks Into a Bar: On Feminism and Humor
Posted on June 3, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Written by Christina Black. Originally published at Fem2pt0. Reprinted with permission. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the role of humor in feminism – and feminism’s role in the face of offensive humor. Rebecca Traister made an interesting point in … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Guest Posts, TV, Women and Gender | Leave a comment
Even Angels Fall: ‘Something Borrowed’ Reduces Women to Stereotypes of Good Girls & Bad Girls
Posted on May 10, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Originally published at Bitch Flicks. I’m usually no fan of chick flicks romantic comedies or chick lit women’s commercial fiction (god I hate the infantilizing term “chick”). While I enjoy romance, I cringe over the vapid dialogue, shallow characters, the … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 2 Comments
Snow White Meets The Terminator: ‘Hanna’ is a Modern-Day Fairy Tale Featuring a Fearless Female Assassin
Posted on April 14, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Once upon a time, I anxiously awaited to see the film Hanna. I’ve been eager to see it ever since I read about it at Women and Hollywood almost a year ago. I’m often excited to see films featuring women and … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Leave a comment
Valley of the Dolls: The Faux Feminism of ‘Sucker Punch’ Turns Women into Fighting Fuck Toys
Posted on March 31, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Once again, I fell for the siren song of a Zack Snyder movie. He lured me with a provocative, eye-catching trailer, all with the hopes of a great film; this time, a potentially feminist film! But just as in times … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | Leave a comment
As the World Turns: Lack of Women Filmmakers Often Leads to Female Film Characters Revolving Around Men
Posted on March 25, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
Think of some of your favorite films. Now envision the plot and the characters. Is there a female character? Are there more than one? And if so, do they talk to one another? You might be saying why is The … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 4 Comments
Roll Out the Red Carpet: It’s Time for The Feminist Oscars!
Posted on March 3, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
As I’ve shared with you all before, I’m absolutely addicted to awards show. As the film fanatic that I am, I of course tuned in for The Opinioness’ Super Bowl aka The Oscars. But as I watched, I was dismayed … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 2 Comments
Best Picture Nominee Post at Bitch Flicks: The Kids Are All Right
Posted on February 21, 2011 by The Opinioness of the World
This excerpt is from a post written by The Opinioness, originally published at Bitch Flicks as part of their “Best Picture Nominee Review Series.” I was so excited to see The Kids Are All Right. I mean a film with … Continue reading →
Something Wicked This Way Comes: Spellbinding Helen Mirren Can’t Save the Film ‘The Tempest’ From Sinking
Posted on December 31, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Like many on the planet, I adore Helen Mirren. I mean c’mon the lady kicks ass! I’ve loved her ever since I watched her in the film 2010 in which she played an astronaut captain. She was so strong and … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 25 Comments
The Mirror Has Two Faces: In ‘Black Swan’ Natalie Portman Gets in Touch with Her Darker Side
Posted on December 19, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Much like the White Swan and the Black Swan in the film Black Swan, there’s the film critic Opinioness and the feminist Opinioness. One loved the film; the other had a few problems with it. Black Swan, a frenzied allegory, … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 3 Comments
She Still Works Hard for the Money: Chronicling Women’s Battle for Equal Pay, ‘Made in Dagenham’ is a Must-See Film
Posted on December 6, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Equal pay for equal jobs…seems like a no-brainer, right? But of course not all have shared that view throughout history…or even today for that matter. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know I talk a lot about the importance … Continue reading →
Posted in Equal Pay, Films, Women and Gender | 2 Comments
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: “For Colored Girls” Reveals Power of Sisterly Solidarity & Women Finding Their Voice
Posted on November 15, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
I was excited to see For Colored Girls. A film about 9 women, as a feminist, how could I not be? But I have to admit, I questioned whether or not I should even be writing this review. Writing about … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Race, Women and Gender | 2 Comments
Enemy of the State: Heroine Lisbeth Salander Fights Back in ‘The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest’
Posted on November 10, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
I am usually not a fan of trilogies; the third film often pales in comparison to the crescendo of emotion and suspense built in a series. And while the occasional exception exists (Return of the King), most (Godfather 3, Alien … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 1 Comment
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted: Film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Shows One Woman’s Journey Around the World To Find Happiness
Posted on August 19, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
I’ve been looking forward to watching Eat, Pray, Love ever since I saw the trailer during Sex and the City 2. I had read the book a couple of years ago as its popularity piqued my curiosity. The prospect of … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 11 Comments
The Devil Wears Fur (and Prada): Documentary ‘Skin Trade’ Exposes the Truth about Fur in the Fashion Industry
Posted on August 12, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
The exquisite Chanel jackets…the lush Prada bags…the sexy Jimmy Choo shoes…I love watching the movie The Devil Wears Prada; getting lost in the eye candy whirlwind of NYC and high fashion. Like many people, flipping through the glossy pages of … Continue reading →
Posted in Food & Animal Films, Veganism | 10 Comments
Man, I Feel Like a Woman: Angelina Jolie Goes on the Run in Her Gender-Bending Role in ‘Salt’
Posted on July 24, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Never one to pass up a film where a woman kicks ass, my bestie John (blogger at Latest Issue) and I headed out to the midnight showing of Salt on Thursday night. I’ve been writing a lot about tough women … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 3 Comments
Good Girl Gone Bad: Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander Burns Up the Screen in ‘The Girl Who Played with Fire’
Posted on July 15, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
I shared with you all last week that I’ve been utterly consumed by Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s gripping Millennium Trilogy (I’ll be reading the third book soon…so excited!). I loved the first film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, entranced … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 5 Comments
Rebel with a Cause: A Feminist Hero Emerges in Film ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’
Posted on July 8, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the international phenomenon that is Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. As I often lament the lack of strong female characters … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 10 Comments
Mean Girls: Cattiness in Media Pits Women Against Each Other
Posted on June 24, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Catfights have always garnered TV ratings and box office dollars. Last week, Bravo aired the Real Housewives of New York City reunion in 3 parts (I mean seriously, did they really need 3 episodes?!) dishing and rehashing their verbal catfights … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, TV, Women and Gender | 3 Comments
Talkin’ Bout a Revolution: New Documentary ‘FRESH’ Provides Hope on Sustainable Food Movement
Posted on June 20, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
As you all know, I love movies and I love food. This past Friday night, I fused those two passions as I saw the new documentary FRESH playing at the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square. Directed and produced by Ana … Continue reading →
Posted in Eco-Friendly, Food & Animal Films, Veganism | Leave a comment
Queens of the Desert: ‘Sex and the City 2′ a Fun, Campy Ride
Posted on June 1, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Sex and the City is one of my all-time fave shows. I simply adore it. As a result of watching it over and over, I can and do quote lines from each episode. I’ve even been on the SATC tour … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 5 Comments
Wonder Women?: The Myth of Action Heroines in Film Shattering Gender Stereotypes
Posted on May 27, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Does watching powerful women fight crime and kick ass on-screen inspire other women? Does it shatter barriers of gender roles? Last month, my fave blogger Melissa Silverstein at Women & Hollywood explored this very question: do women in action films … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 13 Comments
Shaking the Tree: Film ‘Lemon Tree’ Unites Two Women from Palestine & Israel
Posted on May 12, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
Arab culture has always captivated me. In college, I took classes on gender and Islam, Arab women’s movements and Middle Eastern History; classes which opened my eyes to diverse cultures and perspectives. People possess passionate opinions about the ongoing conflict … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Women and Gender | 4 Comments
No Sweet Child O’ Mine: Film ‘Obvious Child’ Features Pro-Choice Message
Posted on May 5, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
So there’s been a lot of dialogue here at Opinioness of the World about abortion lately. And I plan to keep it going! But this time, in a more lighthearted way. My fellow blogger (and dear friend!) Sarah at My … Continue reading →
Posted in Films, Reproductive Rights, Women and Gender | 5 Comments
I Don’t Give a Damn About My Reputation: Is Hit-Girl from ‘Kick-Ass’ a Feminist’s Friend or Foe?
Posted on April 18, 2010 by The Opinioness of the World
This past Saturday night, I went on a date to see Kick-Ass, the new film based on Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.‘s comic books about superheroes with no superhero powers. As a self-proclaimed nerd and comic-book lover, I chose … Continue reading →
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