MovieChat Forums > Play Misty for Me (1971) Discussion > Double standard and misogynist?

Double standard and misogynist?

posted 4 years ago by merkin64 (122)
5 replies | jump to latest

This is one of my favourite Clint Eastwood films as it shows that he was not afraid to play an unsympathetic character.
However, I have noticed how Evelyn's actions escalate from annoying to needy and finally to psychotic. David is a single man who likes to enjoy women for his pleasure. Evelyn is clearly a fan and she also enjoys sex. Yet, she is portrayed as a homicidal maniac who ultimately must die. Is the film a response to the liberated single woman just as the feminist movement is on the rise?

[–] Owlwise (1488) 4 years ago

It could be read that way. But it could also be read as a cautionary tale about David's enjoying women for his pleasure, without considering that one of them just might be a crazy stalker who won't take no for answer.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5947) 3 years ago

Yes, he's way too casual about whom he's willing to sleep with. Get to know them at least a little, especially if you're a celebrity, albeit a minor one.

[–] liscarkat (16476) 4 years ago

Or, maybe it's just a thriller, for entertainment.

[–] roreyking (558) 3 years ago

Right on the money, liscarkat. Thank you!

If the genders were swapped, the OP would claim it was a story about female empowerment.

[–] lemonhead1 (410) 2 years ago

It's a movie, plain & simple.