Library of Congress Control Number: 2024913463

The relationship between Hollywood and feminism is a complicated one, historically characterized by simultaneous repression and surprising breakthroughs. From Hitchcock and Marilyn to femme fatales and lush melodramas, the classical Hollywood era is a unique cultural moment that provides rich insight into both gender and film in America. This book looks beyond the glitz and glamour to explore how the history and legacy of this period have reflected, shaped, and at times even challenged expectations of women in society. As the film industry has changed, so too have its depictions of gender, as evidenced by the way the classical male gaze gave way to feminist breakthroughs, swift postfeminist backlash, and now the contemporary media-ready feminism of hit blockbusters. This quick immersion shines a spotlight on this dynamic relationship between popular cinema and feminism, illuminating how gender, culture, and power have evolved on the silver screen.

Andrea Press is William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Media Studies and Sociology at the University of Virginia, where she Chairs the Media Studies Department. She served as Executive Director of the Virginia Film Festival and Producer of the Roger Ebert Festival of Overlooked Films. Her recent books include Media-Ready Feminism and Everyday Sexism, Handbook of Contemporary Feminism, and Media and Class. She is an ICA Fellow and recipient of grants from NIMH and NSF.

Sarah Johnson-Palomaki is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Montana State University, holding a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Virginia. Her research explores how young people use popular culture, including film and television, to navigate politics and identity in their daily lives.

"Cinema and Feminism offers a fascinating tour through the history of the relationship between the two. From classic Hollywood movies through Barbie, we are shown the delicate dance between representations of strong women and the workings of the ‘male gaze apparatus’ that usually - but not always – defeat them. At once depressing and inspiring, Cinema and Feminism should be read by all young women trying to understand the contradictory messages we get from the movies."
-Sherry Ortner.
Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at UCLA.

“This is a marvelous, wide ranging timely and up to date account of key theories and perspectives in cinema studies and feminism. It is accessibly written with lively critical analysis of popular film texts. Cinema and Feminism will be invaluable for students and teachers across the fields of media studies, film studies and feminist cultural studies.”
-Angela McRobbie.
Emeritus Professor Goldsmiths University of London.