The Bechdel Test

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What is the Bechdel Test?

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A measure of the representation of women in film, requiring that a film has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man.

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What percentage of named characters in the surveyed 120 films were female?

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31%

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What inspired Alison Bechdel to create the Bechdel test?

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A trend in pop culture she observed.

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What are the three requirements of the Bechdel Test?

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1. The film must have at least two women. 2. The women must talk to each other. 3. They must discuss something other than a man.

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Who does Alison Bechdel credit with the idea for the Bechdel test?

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Liz Wallace.

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What is one of the goals of tests inspired by the Bechdel test?

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To examine diversity in film crews.

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What is the significance of the Bechdel Test in film analysis?

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It highlights the lack of female representation and encourages more complex female characters.

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What does it mean if a film fails the Bechdel Test?

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It may indicate a lack of meaningful female representation or dialogue.

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Can a film pass the Bechdel Test and still be problematic in terms of gender representation?

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Yes, passing the test does not guarantee that the film portrays women positively or equitably.

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What is a common criticism of the Bechdel Test?

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It is too simplistic and does not account for the quality of female representation.