Movie Rating System Measures Gender Bias
Some Swedish movie theaters are introducing the system. The scale grades films based on a concept introduced by the feminist cartoonist Alison Bechdel. Whether a film passes or fails depends on whether any of its named female characters have conversations with one another about something other than men.
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
And our Last Word In Business today is Bechdel test. In Sweden, some movie makers - some movie theaters are introducing a new rating system that measures gender bias.
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
The scale grades films based on a concept introduced by the feminist cartoonist Alison Bechdel. Whether a film passes or fails depends on whether it has at least two main female characters having conversations with one another about something other than men - a surprisingly high bar.
GREENE: Yeah, seriously, because many movies actually failed this test, including classics we know well - like "Star Wars" - and also, recent hits like "The Social Network."
(SOUNDBITE OF MOVIE, "THE SOCIAL NETWORK")
MONTAGNE: Love it.
GREENE: Fail. (Laughter)
MONTAGNE: One Swedish TV channel plans to show the new rating some respect by running a Bechdel-approved marathon, The movies include "The Iron Lady" and "The Hunger Games." And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
GREENE: And I'm David Greene.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "RESPECT")
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