The Meddler (2015): Respectful language

One of the dozens of things I keep track of in mainstream movies is the language used in reference to female characters, both women and girls. Part of the reason for this is that language is very revealing about filmmakers. It tells us a lot about how well or poorly they think of women. The Meddler (2015), a romantic comedy written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, includes at least four named female characters that appear in more than one scene. It scores very well for women’s presence and voice and has much to offer female viewers, including congenial relationships between females (four generations!). It is always a good sign when a movie includes several congenial relationships between females. One of the things that struck me most about this movie, however, was the language used by its characters. It demonstrates respect for women. In The Meddler women are not referred to as honey, sweetheart, broads, dames or chicks. No woman is called a b*tch or told to f*ck off. Instead a woman is praised (Susan Sarandon calls Rose Byrne a genius and a man calls her a very smart girl). A man apologizes for the language he uses in front of a woman (a policeman who talks about a naked man, without using any coarse language, says to Sarandon, “Oh, pardon my language”). A father shows respect for his daughter’s wishes (J.K. Simmons tells Sarandon, “Lizzie doesn’t want me to call her anymore. I have to respect that”). A woman is even encouraged to talk (when Sarandon asks, “Am I asking too many questions?” Simmons replies, “No”). These are rare inclusions for Hollywood movies. You won't find these things in a Quentin Tarantino film, to name just one male director whose female characters are treated like garbage. Having women work behind the camera makes a significant difference in terms of what a movie has to offer female viewers (both women and girls). I look forward to sharing my findings about the language used in mainstream movies of the 20th and 21st centuries in my upcoming film guide for women.

​© 2019 Alline Cormier