Redefining the Modern Hero

Left: Ellen Ripley (Alien 1979); Right: Furiosa (Mad Max Fury Road 2015)

For decades action films have been one of the most popular genres in cinema. Customarily these films center around male heroes who use their physical strength, bravery and powerful determination to save others. Women are often cast in supporting roles, only serving as love interests or sidekicks or most commonly the damsel in distress. With societal attitudes towards gender equality evolving so too is the representation of women in action films today.

Feminism in action films goes beyond just simply putting a woman in a leading role or portraying them in a way that makes them physically strong. It is about creating a character with the same depth, agency, and narrative importance that male character so often receives. A true feminist action film allows for a woman to exist as an individual with their own set of goals, motivations, strengths and flaws. Characters that are not defined simply by their gender nor having the story revolve around it either. 

One of the earliest examples of a good written female character in an action film was Ellen Ripley from Alien (1979). Throughout the film Ripley is shown to demonstrate intelligence, leadership, and critical thinking as she continues to work to protect the crew of the Nostromo. Unlike many similar female characters of that era, she is not a damsel in distress or a romantic subplot. Her strength does not come from superhuman abilities but rather her ability to be resourceful, determined, and ability to stay calm under pressure. The film does not focus on the fact that she is a woman but rather just her own realized character. 

A more recent example would be Furiosa in Mad Max Fury Road (2015). While the film suggests that Max is the central character much of the story focuses on Furiosa and her mission to rescue a group of women from a tyrannical rule who treats them poorly. Furiosa is shown to be a capable leader whose actions often drive the native, making her one of the more influential heroines of the modern era. The film continues to highlight Furiosa as a strong leader that is also capable of compassion and vulnerability, making her complex yet realistic leader. The women Furiosa are also not portrayed as your basic damsels in destress but too have complex stories in which they do not sit idle but play an active role in fighting for their own freedom.  

Despite the progress made, there are still some ongoing challenges. Some critics often argue that films focus too heavily on gender and presenting women as strong while neglecting more meaningful character development. In my opinion giving women the same traits that you associate with male hero’s does not always create feminist representation. The acknowledgment of women’s diverse experiences allowing them to exist as their own fleshed out fully developed individuals gives way more meaning. 

Another challenge is the way viewers react to female action heroes. According to Eagly in Karau’s (2002) Role congruity Theory, women may face prejudice when occupying leadership positions because of traditional stereotypes associate leadership with masculine traits. These societal attitudes often carry over into other forms of media. Male action heroes are often praised for being confidence, aggressive, or even emotionally distant while female characters displaying the same traits are often considered unlikable. 

Feminism in action films is about more than fighting scenes or female protagonists it is about ensuring women have the same opportunities not only in films to be leaders, heroes, and fully realized individuals on screen. This representation can be meaningful and inspire audiences for centuries. 

Sources

Eagly, A. H., Karau, S. J., Northwestern University, & Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. (2002). Role Congruity Theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological Review, 573–598. https://doi.org/10.1037//0033-295X.109.3.573 

Ward, L. M., & Grower, P. (2020). Media and the development of gender role stereotypes. Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, 2(1), 177–199. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-devpsych-051120-010630