
The following
tenets are employed in the feminist
analytic model of film
analysis, whether reading
against the grain (criticizing mainstream Hollywood
cinema) or examining a feminist construct:
Whether or not females are at the center of the narrative
Character placement within the mise en scène (Females may be entirely or
partially off screen, thus visually mitigating any power they may have.)
Whether the
females' pictures are in or
out of focus, especially compared with males within the narrative
Scopophilia, which objectifies women (three different methods)
How a woman dresses, i.e., is she decked out as a sex object?
Implementation of the Electra complex
The woman eschews or flaunts phallic imagery
Sexual equality vs. double standard
Angles
Symbolic use of shadow and light
Color
Freedom of movement vs. being stationary
Open vs. closed forms and other forms of entrapment imagery
Camera distances, especially close-ups
Adherence to or defiance of patriarchal standards for females, and if the latter
occurs, if she is punished for her transgression(s)
Having a voice and being heard vs. being silent and/or ignored
Independence, education and type of employment
Need (or lack thereof) to be rescued, e.g., dependent on a male for her
well-being and happiness
Implementation of the female gaze
Whether the film features several women working behind the scenes, e.g., director,
producer, production designer, cinematographer, etc., as well as the personae
of the leading actresses
Female characters evince concern
for other representations of the Other, e.g., slaves, other women being treating
as property