Attention Fifty Shades apologists: There's a new battle cry you could be taking up right now that's way more legit-sounding than "read the book" and "it's a love story you don't understand." How about "the movie passes the Bechdel test," hmm?
It's true—Sam Taylor-Johnson's monster (hit) pretty much earned an A in Gender Equality in Film. That is, the screen adaptation meets three, not-tremendously-difficult-seeming-but-are requirements, which means that it portrays women as real people and not just as props who react to male characters:
1. Are there at least two women who have names in it?
2. Do they talk to each other?
3. Is their conversation about anything other than a man?
According to Vox, there are multiple instances of the second two criteria, including scenes in which Ana discusses things such as sandwiches and dinner with her roommate and Christian's mother. (We've got that first point covered: Kate Kavanagh, played by Eloise Mumford, and Anastasia Steele, duh.)
To put this achievement into perspective, you ought to know that in a study of 1,794 titles from 1970 to 2013, nearly half failed the Bechdel test. *thud* Fifty Shades, a movie about a woman dating a dude with peculiar tastes, did something almost 900 other movies couldn't!
Mad respect, STJ and screenwriter Kelly Marcel. Mad respect.
You should also check out:
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Prince Charming Will Spank You Now: A Guy's POV on 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
'Fifty Shades of Grey' Made a Record-Breaking $94 Million This Weekend
Science Confirms Jamie Dornan Will Never Live Up to the Christian Grey of Your Imagination
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
All the Easter Eggs and Name Drops on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' Explained
Digging through the fan theories so you don't have to.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet Flats
Warm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to Begin
Nike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published