Correcting Female Action Heroes in Movies to Improve Cinematic Success

The success of action movie heroines is a critical factor in the overall profitability and critical acclaim of films. However, to achieve this success, the portrayal of these characters must be accurate and respectful. Often, the portrayal of female action heroes is plagued by unrealistic expectations and a superficial portrayal that disregards the biological and physical realities of gender differences. This article explores how action movie heroines can be depicted effectively to ensure cinematic success.

Understanding the Biology and Physics: The Elephant in the Room

Stacy Tidwell's response to the question of how to correct the portrayal of female action heroes in films is both enlightening and scientifically accurate. According to Tidwell, the prevailing attitude that women can do anything men can do is largely a result of misguided biology and physics. She asserts that the portrayal of female action stars as capable of standing toe-to-toe with significantly larger and stronger male adversaries defies both biology and physics. This unrealistic portrayal not only fails to serve the story but also detracts from the film's credibility and audience engagement.

A common reframing of this issue is the acknowledgment that differences in physical structure—in this case, height and muscle mass—should be honored. A 6'4" 260-pound male will inevitably inflict significant harm on a 125-pound female when first making contact. This is a fact rooted in basic physics and anatomy, not misogyny. Therefore, the portrayal of female action heroes must be informed by these real-world considerations to achieve both factual accuracy and compelling storytelling.

Exemplifying the Right Approach: Ellen Ripley and Lorraine Broughton

To illustrate how female action heroes can be depicted correctly, we can examine two iconic characters: Ellen Ripley from the Alien series and Lorraine Broughton from Atomic Blonde.

Ellen Ripley: Smart, Strategic, and Fearless

Elighn Ripley is a prime example of a well-rounded and effective female action hero. Created by Ellen Ripley, the character is driven by a deep fear for her crew and is smart enough to outsmart her enemies. Instead of relying solely on brute force, Ripley uses her intelligence, creativity, and preparedness to face threats. For instance, when she faces the Xenomorph queen, she applies her knowledge of maternal instincts to make a calculated assumption about the queen's behavior, gaining a significant advantage. When in physical combat, she maximizes her equipment, like using a mechanical loader to even the playing field, rather than simply using her bare hands against the enemy.

Lorraine Broughton: Smart, Ruthless, and Resourceful

Lorraine Broughton from Atomic Blonde exemplifies a modern female action hero who is both intelligent and resourceful. She operates with patience, tactical precision, and a strong sense of ruthless determination. Her fights showcase a blend of strategic thinking and brute force, but she consistently uses external advantages and her own strength to outmaneuver her opponents. For example, she cunningly ambushes her targets, uses the environment to her advantage, and even resorts to improvised weapons like keys and household items to bring down her adversaries. Despite her formidable enemies, Broughton's persistence and ingenuity allow her to win, even as she sustains significant injuries.

Creating Well-Developed Female Characters

The portrayal of female action heroes does not need to stray from established tropes that have proven to be successful in the past. Successful female characters like Ripley and Broughton are not limited to being lesbians or transgender. In fact, it's crucial to avoid tropes that cater to narrow stereotypes or misinterpretation. Instead, the focus should be on developing complex, relatable, and respectful characters who are driven by their goals and motivations, rather than outdated gender roles.

A good female character should be:

Intelligent: Uses her mind to outsmart and outmaneuver opponents. Resourceful: Finds ways to use available resources to overcome challenges. Driven: Has clear goals and is motivated to achieve them, regardless of the obstacles. Ruthless: Exercises strategic and tactical ruthlessness when needed, without being one-dimensional.

These attributes create a multi-dimensional character that appeals to a wide audience and contributes to a more realistic and engaging film.

Conclusion: Invent a GOOD Character

To achieve cinematic success with female action heroes, it's essential to develop well-rounded and respectful characters. Simply appropriating male characters or falling back on predictable tropes will not suffice. Instead, focus on creating a good, well-developed female character who is not limited by outdated stereotypes. By doing so, the film industry can ensure that female action heroes are accurately portrayed, enhancing both the story and the audience's enjoyment.