CBR attended a press event in London for the Wonder Woman film and got some interesting quotes. Director Patty Jenkins spoke about sexism and feminism and how it pertains to her film. She said she had felt sheltered from gender inequality till recently. Even though she was raised by a single feminist mother, she didn’t realize the gravity in which equality was still an issue. This instantly sheds some light on Jenkins’ state of mind directing this film.
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CBR goes on to describe the scene they’re shown at the press conference. It showed Wonder Woman just landing on the shores of London in her armor being oggled at. She’s confused as to why people are staring and has no context for sexism since she’s never experienced it. Jenkins explains.
It’s interesting and it ends up being funny because the sexism comes to the fore, because she’s walking into 1918 and she’s completely oblivious. ‘This is what you wear to battle, right?’ She just keeps being completely confused. She would never know about it. So there ends up being accidental comments about it, but I also went into it not making a movie about a woman at all. I’m making a movie about Wonder Woman, who I love, and to me is one of the great superheroes. I just treated her like a universal character, and that’s what I think is the next step — when you can start doing that more and more, and the studios have confidence to do that more and more.
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Conflicting. We have one of the most important female icons in history and she’s being treated like she has no gender? I understand what Jenkins is saying but wouldn’t it be better to embrace that she’s a strong woman? Not just a strong character? This isn’t to say that she won’t be a strong woman portrayed on screen, but it’s an interesting way to talk about it. She also expressed that it was a “bummer” to be a ‘woman’s film’.
Of course, it’s a bummer that we’re going to be a ‘women’s film,’ made by a woman, with a woman, but on the other hand, it’s important to talk about, because I think a lot of times, those movies haven’t been. It’s important to acknowledge, but yet in making the film, it’s important to completely tune out.
Seemingly she wants balance in being a film about a woman and making a universal story that appeals to everyone. She cites the 1978 Superman film as her biggest influence. It’s strange. I’m not sure I completely understand why Jenkins is going out of her way to try to make it a gender neutral film. Maybe I’m misunderstanding it. But to cite one of the most masculine heroes as your inspiration for Wonder Woman, it’s conflicting. Again, maybe I’m misunderstanding.
From what I gather, sexism will be a thing in the film, but brushed off. Apparently Jenkins is more focused on the story, which is a good thing. But it worries me deeply that she may shrugging off just who Wonder Woman is and what she stands for. I hope this isn’t true.
What do you think of Jenkins comments? Be sure to read the full article over on CBR and let us know what you think. Wonder Woman will be in theaters June 2nd!
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I share your concerns and thank you for voicing them.
Really hoping it doesn’t turn out the way I think it will. Fingers crossed!