The Bechdel Test started as a comic strip in 1985, by Alison Bechdel, in which a lesbian character is telling her friend that she only sees movies that fulfill three criteria: 1. There must be at least two female characters, 2. They must talk to each other, 3. Their conversation must be about something other than a man. Of course, this test is not a fully adequate guide to successful female representation in media. There are many great films, such as Moonlight, that do not pass, and from my perspective, do not need to. A movie that is geared toward all audiences not passing the Bechdel Test is a front, but a movie geared toward shedding light on male issues not passing is not inherently sexist. However, it will often be apparent when a movie doesn’t pass because of sexist motifs; they may center men as the sole conversation on which the female characters focus or through which is the only way they connect with one another. This perpetuates a culture of viewing women through the lens of their relation to men and erases the idea of female solidarity and community. In honor of Women’s History month, I have assembled a list of movies, either iconic, famous, or a personal favorite, that do not pass this simple test.
Ratatouille
This one is just sad. A classic Disney film, maybe my all-time favorite. This is surely a childhood favorite for many of us. I feel that this one could have easily passed if they tweaked it a little. While they do bring attention to the struggles of a male-dominated industry through Colette, she does not interact with a single other woman, and her storyline centers around a man. However, I’m willing to forgive this movie for the sake of nostalgia. Maybe the 2020 Ratatouille musical had more female rat interaction.
500 Days of Summer
The fact that this movie fails to pass the Bechdel Test is all the more upsetting due to the fact that it’s geared toward women. While rom-coms often struggle to pass, primarily because the story-line revolves around a relationship, providing a life for the main character outside of the man, breathes more depth and intrigue to the movie.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The same fate as 500 Days of Summer; a story of a mysterious, unknowable girl who somehow never converses with another woman, told from the male perspective. When female characters do not speak to each other, the audience absorbs the intended isolation and loneliness of the female character, so we are more inclined to want her to “get the guy” because we are internally wired to live in connection with others.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Again, the fact that this movie does not pass is astonishing to me. The two female characters, Mrs. Fox and Agnes, never interact; I almost didn’t notice on my first couple of watch-throughs. Yet, the fact that this movie fails works with the plot and Mr. Fox’s character. Told from his perspective, his wife is rarely seen interacting with others, showcasing his removal from her life and own preoccupation with his self-interests.
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