Women portrayed in movies: just a pretty face?

[Tarifa]

For the record, we’re talking mainstream movies, not pornographic. There were times, especially during the 1970s and ‘80s, where women were just a pretty face in movies. At best, a partner of the man playing the main role, but as if she were a shadow of him and her presence were only required to complement the plot, never taking the leading role. At worst, women were just a body, asked to show their boobs on screen for men’s pleasure and arousal.

I can see why certain scenes are included. Nudity has its place when hot, steamy sex is portrayed and I’m certainly not the one to complain. The female body is beautiful by definition. But I think that, at times, such scenes do not contribute much to the overall plot.

What do you think of nudity when you say to yourself “Was it really required for this actress to go naked”? Does it add anything substantial to the story being told or is it just something gratuitous, nudity for the sake of showing nudity?

[JSkye]

Too often are we portrayed as a pretty face and little more than a trophy to be earned by the protagonist in mainstream movies.

Seldom are nude scenes ever important, except in rare situations. I feel like Game of Thrones actually implemented (s) exposition quite well, but it's one of the only examples I can think of where such scenes have actually been used for anything more than fan service.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Interesting because GoT has been cited frequently for the opposite, unnecessary depiction of sex

[JSkye]

@Maybe_Maybe_not It has an unnecessary amount of sex, for sure, but the scenes also do (generally) further the plot a little

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

ah, my bad, I confused nude scenes with sex scenes

[Tarifa]

As funny as it may seem, I haven't seen Game of Thrones yet, but hope to do so in the near future.

Nude scenes certainly have their place. Maybe they occur more in European movies than in the north-American movie theatres. I don't think there's anything wrong with nude scenes - male and female alike - as we are naked when we are having sex with someone. Why not portray what happens in real life? I always find it strange when you see an actress wrap a sheet around herself.

But I was referring to nude scenes that do not add anything substantial to the plot.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I can't talk for European movies as there are just too many countries producing too many different movies and styles.

But I can tell that USA brings a lot of nude and sex scenes on my plate. But then I'm watching a lot of shows of US origin. If I should name the typical french movie then it's more family-drama based. We seem to love talking about how families are fucked up psychological masquerades 😆

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

We don't seem to love fiction that much but realism instead, with a mix of comedy and drama, with a harder take on drama

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Gee, it’s almost like the conceptual idea of the Bechdel test had a ripple effect on movies and media after it became a mainstream idea.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

oh well a pity to not source this idea here, let's fix that:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I see many movies/shows putting women out of objectified and simplified role. So there's that at least. Is it a recent trend? Most probably, is it necessary? Certainly. And on this point, I find House of the Dragon fascinating in its takes about giving birth and the aftermaths for a woman. It's probably the first time I'm exposed to this idea in fiction.

[exitseven]

I used to say that too. They were just window dressing.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[AI Opinion]

Oh, this is a great topic! 🎥 So, historically speaking, women in mainstream movies often found themselves limited to roles that focused on their physical appearance rather than their individual character depth. This was particularly true in the 70s and 80s, as you mentioned. Women were frequently reduced to mere decorative figures or used to fulfill stereotypical gender roles.

But it’s exciting to see how times are changing! More and more, films are starting to recognize women as multi-dimensional characters. Consider movies like "Mad Max: Fury Road" or "The Shape of Water," where female characters play central roles with complex narratives that drive the plot. These characters aren’t just there to look good; they’re integral to the story’s progression and often depicted with powerful agency.

As for nudity, context is key. When it's aptly woven into the storyline, it can contribute to the depth of the narrative or the intensity of a scene. However, gratuitous nudity often feels like an exploitative tactic to attract viewers, adding nothing substantial to the story.

The evolving portrayal of women in movies is a testament to a broader societal shift towards gender equality and more respectful representation. Though there’s still work to be done, the trend is undoubtedly moving in a positive direction. 🌟