THE 1940’S MOST FAMOUS FILMS AND THEIR REPRESENTATION OF FEMALES

M O L LY B I N G H A M A N D L A U R A P Y E

BAMBI- 1942

A simple animated film telling the tale of a young deer growing up in the forest after his mother is shot by hunters. The death of the female deer, proves to be motherly figure, showing maternal instincts (reflecting the common mother’s role within society), by giving herself up and saving her son, Bambi, from the hunters. However, the plot synopsis states that eventually, after finding love, Bambi finds the Hunters return to the Forest. The intended meaning of their return, is to show how this young male takes on a mature persona, like his

father before him, and leads the other deer to safety. His authoritative figure within the forest was perhaps done to portray the dominant ideology, of Males

being the supposed gender to take control and become the leader- like the Hunter gatherer ideology. Overall, the female representation within this film is

very little; perhaps insinuating the female, although maternal, is weaker.

PINOCCHIO- 1940

The Blue Fairy/Fairy Godmother in this film is seen to be delegating orders, this seems an authoritative role for a female within the 1940’s. Women were typically seen to

be in the spotlight if they were ‘beautiful’; much like Monroe’s figure within society. Perhaps in the film, the Male characters take the delivered orders from the

Godmother because of her ‘beauty’. If this is so, I believe this is adhering to the stereotypical female. Getting their own way by utilising their sexual identity, is maybe something this film was trying to portray. However, like the mother in Bambi, the Godmother acts almost maternal towards Pinocchio, offering him

advice and granting him a wish; appearing gentle and kind.

FANTASIA- 1940

The omission of female figures in this animated interpretation of great works of Western Classical music.

MOM AND DAD- 1945The refusal of a sex education discussion with her parents, causes the female

protagonist to run ‘off the rails’ and results in her becoming pregnant. I feel here, the lack of maternal instincts from both her parents, is a negative

representation upon both genders. However, the teenage girl is also a negative representation upon females because it shows her to be reckless, vulnerable

and easily lead on.

FOREVER AMBER- 1947

From a poor background, the female protagonist, Amber St.Clair proves to raise herself from her low and unsatisfied background, to a girl of nobility. This film

demonstrates female empowerment and a strong willed attitude. Her actions reflect a positive representation of females, as she is seen to do everything for herself. Her

drive and determination then wipes out her one love, as she is seen to shoot to power as a female; perhaps this was intimidation?