The Implications of Female Force: Postfeminist Propensities in Atomic Blonde and Wonder Woman
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Date
2019
Authors
Larson, Katy Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis concerns postfeminism in two female-led action films: Atomic Blonde (2017) and Wonder Woman (2017). Postfeminism compels feminine-identifying individuals to perform in a manner that indicates the achievement or progress of feminism but does not acknowledge or work to eradicate the existence of systemic structures such as misogyny. I discuss the film’s postfeminist tendencies in separate case studies and why it is important to identify postfeminism within these films. In Atomic Blonde, I discuss how protagonist Lorraine Broughton epitomizes postfeminism through her work ethic, appearance and skills; the film’s normalization of misogyny; how the film’s female, queer plotline is postfeminist; and lastly, the ways in which the film is reminiscent of the James Bond films. In the Wonder Woman case study, I highlight the ways in which media coverage reveal postfeminist tendencies, and how the film can be considered postfeminist through Diana’s responsibilities, work ethic, appearance and skills. I conclude that both films have postfeminist implications that support or obscure underlying misogyny while encouraging feminine-identifying individuals to adopt specific values within the postfeminist sphere.
Description
89 pages
Keywords
Media Studies, Postfeminism, Film, Misogyny, Neoliberalism, Wonder Woman, Atomic Blond, Feminism