Movie Characters as Female Role Models

 

Is it okay to think of movie characters as female role models? As we know, life on screen doesn’t always mirror real life. Do female characters make things seem too easy, and in return give people unfair expectations?

 

Take the movie Legally Blonde for instance. Elle Woods is depicted as a fun, carefree sorority girl who loves fashion and her boyfriend Warner. When Warner breaks up with her because she isn’t “serious enough,” she decides that she must follow him to Harvard Law School. A few scenes of studying for the LSAT, and bam, Elle Woods is admitted to Harvard Law School. Now as someone who has actually studied for the LSAT, I can promise you getting into law school is much more nuanced than Elle Woods made it seem. Legally Blonde definitely made the younger and more naïve me (the first time I saw this movie) think it isn’t that hard to get into Harvard Law School.

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the end, Elle Woods graduates and speaks at graduation. She has made great friends and has a job lined up after graduation, whereas Warner has nothing. Elle took an unconventional path that led her to become a lawyer, but she did it and is happy with her choices. Does life always work out like this? The answer is, usually no. Furthermore, why did Elle have to appear weak in the beginning in the first place? She decided to drop her life and follow a man, something women are told to never do. Even in law school she was constantly looked down upon because of her scented resumes and pink wardrobe. Does this mean those watching the movie should change who they are when they do not fit in?

 

Elle ended up being successful at Harvard Law, but she shouldn’t have uprooted her whole life for a boy. To me, being a strong woman is all about doing what makes you happy. However, Elle Woods made this life decision to make a boy happy, then thinking it would lead to her own happiness. 

 

Against all odds, Elle Woods graduated from Harvard Law and we are told she was successful, so yes she is a strong female role model, especially to me, an aspiring lawyer. Although I do not agree with all of the choices she made for herself, she valued her femininity and her self strength throughout. Elle Woods shows the complexity of holding on to femininity while still trying to appear strong and serious in a mainly male dominated and sexist environment. She never was afraid to be who she really was. So, is Elle Woods a strong female role model? Short story answer is yes.

 

Another strong female character who I believe is a female role model is Miranda Presley in The Devil Wears Prada. Miranda Presley too shows that it is difficult to be a strong female role model. There is a balance that females are “supposed” to find, which men are not expected to adhere to. Female role models that are strong and successful can be seen seen as harsh and mean, much like how Miranda Priestly is depicted. The movie makes her seem like a villain by showing her cold and manipulating ways, but at the end of the day, Miranda Presley is a highly successful female who others should aspire to be. She is strong, independent, knows what she wants, and driven. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The one time Miranda Priestly appears vulnerable is when she is seen wearing no makeup and discussing her divorce with her soon to be ex-husband. That is the only time the viewers see her in a weak position. The same scene would not be shot for a male lead. 

 

Her means of getting what she wants---like talking down to others and not respecting others opinions---aren’t exactly the right way to do things. But, would anyone say this about a man? If Miranda Presley were a man, would he be depicted as mean, narcissistic, and controlling, or would he just be a successful man?

 

Much of Presley’s power is derived from making those around her feel small. Her assistant Emily, sacrifices her selfhood to be worthy and acceptable in Priestly'a eyes. Anything different from what Priestly expects is a failure, even if these expectations are unattainable, which many times they are. The main character, Andy, finds herself in this same position. As a journalist, she is inexperienced in the world of fashion. Rather than encourage her and help Andy feel confident, Presley continues to remind her that she might not have what it takes. This is Priestly's key flaw as a role model. Rather than make others feel stronger, she tears them apart. 

 

Maybe this is the media working to show how people are skeptical when viewing females as strong female role models. These movies show that the media, and society, need to change its outlook on successful females. Young females should be looking up to Miranda Presley, but when watching the movie they might get the wrong impression. Additionally, many of Elle Woods’ decisions were questionable, leaving the viewer unsure how to feel. In most movies involving strong female role models, these characters are given traits that make the viewers question them.

 

Is society not ready to just accept strong female role models without giving them faults? Many times, powerful men are scared of giving powerful power. Just because society is not there yet, does not mean that we should not look at these characters as role models.