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Respect Between Men and Women In the Film

posted 20 years ago by Marokl
6 replies | jump to latest

Having watched "Rio Grande" for the first time recently, it reminded me by way of contrast how rare it is to find such a respectful representation of the male/female relationship in most films of today. The Maureen O'Hara character has deep differences with the John Wayne character, but the two are thoroughly respectful and considerate to each other on the long road to their eventual (and inevitable) reconciliation. Theres is a truly wonderful, mature, and dignified love vastly different from the hormonally addled highjinks of the young we more commonly see in films.

I continue to be astounded by how deeply many of the older movies honored the complementary bond men and women can sometimes (and perhaps should ideally) have. If "Rio Grande" were made today, the Maureen O'Hara character would have a chip on her shoulder, the John Wayne character would be an obnoxious chauvinist, and the resolution would have her make him a better man by making him more like a woman (the current ideal of behavior and comportment).

As a testament to an adult, enduring love between equals, "Rio Grande" is right up there with the best of Tracy and Hepburn.

[–] smith93 19 years ago

Yeah, John Ford's movies express a value system that's old fashioned without being sexist. The men and women in his films have different, but equally important roles to play in society.

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] agera 13 years ago

Yeah, John Ford's movies express a value system that's old fashioned without being sexist. The men and women in his films have different, but equally important roles to play in society.

Exactly. Ford never lets you forget that when the men in his movies ride off to do dangerous things, they do so for their kith and kin back home. And he shows how the women who stay home and wait have their own quieter brand of courage, patience and endurance.

As a woman, I love how Ford shows women being strong, without grandstanding or politicizing. I also love how he's not afraid to have old, plain women feature prominently in his films (e.g., Jane Darwell, Mildred Natwick, Olive Carey, Sarah Goodman). Sure, he had pretty women in there, too, (e.g., Joanne Dru, Shirley Temple, Vera Miles, Maureen O'Hara) but his women are never just attractive window dressing.

Ford was both timeless and way ahead of his time.

"The night was sultry."

[–] lizcarlo87 11 years ago

I agree with you and the OP so much.

[–] lizcarlo87 11 years ago

I agree
film makers could learn from that, but I don't think its going to happen.

[–] liscarkat (16476) 5 years ago

Their characters (particularly hers) are both young, yet their relationship and behavior are mature, thoughtful, and respectful. Rarely, if ever, seen in films of today.