Two dead horses and Miss Sloane (2016)

The other day I revisited The Godfather (1972, US$268 million at the worldwide box office) and Animal House (1978, US$141 million at the U.S. box office), two movies that include a dead horse in an urban setting. What are the odds? Both score poorly in terms of women's presence and voice. Both sexualize women. Then I analysed Miss Sloane (2016, US$7 million at the worldwide box office)—thankfully, no dead horses. What a breath of fresh air. Instead of seeing women who had nothing to say I was treated to a woman with more lines than I think I have ever seen in a Hollywood movie, and I've analysed 440 mainstream movies so far. The lead female character in Miss Sloane is sexualized—that is practically a given nowadays—but she is also shown working with other women to reach a common goal, something rare in cinematic history. She is also shown eating—women practically never are—being praised and getting the last word. I might treat myself to another viewing.

© 2018 Alline Cormier