Guide to Feminist Film Studies

For feminists, analyzing and critiquing cinema is a way to understand and challenge the representation of gender, power dynamics, and the roles assigned to women and other marginalized groups in society.

Feminist film theory emerged as a critical tool in the 1970s, and began providing new perspectives on how films perpetuate gender inequalities. This theoretical framework is vital for anyone interested in the intersection of gender studies and film, as it dissects how cinematic techniques and narratives influence viewers’ perceptions of gender and identity.

Here are some book suggestions which could help you understand why cinema plays such a big role in feminism:

FYI: If you use the links to make a purchase on Amazon, I receive a commission payment via the Affiliate Program.

The Feminist Spectator as Critic by Jill Dolan (2012)

Jill Dolan examines feminist perspectives on theater and performance, focusing on how spectators can engage critically with gender representation in the arts.

Visual and Other Pleasures by Laura Mulvey (2009)

This collection of essays by Laura Mulvey, one of the most influential feminist film theorists, explores the ways in which cinema reflects and perpetuates patriarchal society. It also introduces the concept of the “male gaze.”

Women in Film Noir edited by E. Ann Kaplan (1998)

This anthology examines the role and representation of women in the film noir genre, thereby offering a feminist critique of these often dark and complex films.

Screening Sex by Linda Williams (2008)

Williams explores the depiction of sex and sexuality in cinema and offers a feminist analysis of how these portrayals affect our understanding of gender and desire.

Chick Flicks: Theories and Memories of the Feminist Film Movement by B. Ruby Rich (1998)

Rich provides a history of the feminist film movement. It discusses key films, directors, and theoretical developments that have shaped feminist film studies.

Feminism and Film edited by E. Ann Kaplan (2000)

This comprehensive anthology includes key essays by leading feminist film scholars, and covers a wide range of topics related to gender and cinema.

Reclaiming the Archive: Feminism and Film History edited by Vicki Callahan (2010)

This collection of essays explores the relationship between feminism and film history, as well as highlighting the contributions of female filmmakers and the portrayal of women in film.

Feminism at the Movies: Understanding Gender in Contemporary Popular Cinema edited by Hilary Radner and Rebecca Stringer (2011)

This book examines how contemporary films address and reflect feminist issues, while covering a range of genres and film styles.

Women and Experimental Filmmaking edited by Jean Petrolle and Virginia Wright Wexman (2005)

This anthology discusses the contributions of women in the field of experimental filmmaking and explores their innovative approaches and thematic concerns.

Sisters in the Life: A History of Out African American Lesbian Media-Making edited by Yvonne Welbon and Alexandra Juhasz (2018)

This book documents the history and contributions of African American lesbian filmmakers, and offers a unique perspective on both gender and race in cinema.

Women Who Make Horror: Filmmaking, Feminism, Genre edited by Alison Peirse (2020)

This anthology focuses on women filmmakers in the horror genre. It explores how they challenge and redefine the genre of horror cinema.

The Aftermath of Feminism: Gender, Culture and Social Change by Angela McRobbie (2009)

McRobbie explores the cultural changes following the feminist movements, including how these shifts are reflected in film and media.

These books collectively offer a thorough exploration of feminist film theory, the representation of women in cinema, and the impact of feminist movements on the film industry.