The Art of Gender Balance in Cinema: Films with Men Only and Women Only

Throughout the history of cinema, there have been instances where filmmakers have intentionally or unintentionally created movies that are gender-balanced to varying degrees. This article explores films that feature exclusively men or women, highlighting the creative and practical implications of such a choice.

The Thing (1982) Men Only

One of the most notable examples of a film with only male characters is John Carpenter's acclaimed horror remake, The Thing (1982). While the film is renowned for its supernatural terror and psychological tension, it is equally remarkable for its gender dynamics. According to Russell_curth, one of the filmmakers involved in the production, the story was rooted in the idea of isolation and paranoia among a group of men. The original film (which the 1982 version remakes) had female characters, but The Thing chooses to emphasize the complex social dynamics among the male members of Ekranos outpost. The Thing did not aim to exclude women out of prejudice; instead, it was a strategic choice to enhance the film's atmosphere. As Russell explains, the absence of women removed the distraction of peacocking and allowed the male characters to focus on survival and logical problem-solving. This environment forced the men to work together as equals, rather than rivals, fostering a more cohesive narrative.

The Women (1939) Women Only

On the other hand, films that feature exclusively women are equally intriguing. George Cukor's classic 1939 film The Women stands as a prime example of a women-only cast. The title is apt, as the film revolves around a close-knit group of women who navigate the challenges of social and domestic life. This film, and its 2008 remake, showcase how a group of strong, complex female characters can play out compelling stories without male 1939 version of The Women is a brilliant depiction of friendships and rivalries in the world of high society. It delves into themes of jealousy, ambition, and the unspoken rules of social norms, all within the context of a male-free environment. Notably, the 2008 remake, while maintaining the integrity of the story, updates certain aspects to fit a modern audience, particularly in the casting of a female judge in a TV movie version of a juror film.

12 Angry Men (1957) Men Only

Another striking example is the classic film 12 Angry Men (1957), which is often heralded as a jewel of film storytelling. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this film features a deliberating jury that is entirely male. The title is a direct and unambiguous description of the cast: twelve jurors facing a crucial decision in a controversial murder case. 12 Angry Men is celebrated for its masterful use of a male-only cast. Each juror is complexly drawn, with their own motivations, fears, and personal histories contributing to the tension of the courtroom. The all-male setting fosters a sense of shared experience and common masculinity, which in turn deepens the psychological exploration of the characters. It is significant to note that even the 1997 TV movie version of the film, while maintaining the essence of the story, saw a change when the judge was cast as a woman, marking a subtle shift in the dynamics of the film's gender portrayal.

Conclusion

The exploration of gender balance in cinema offers a fascinating lens through which to view the complexities of human dynamics and storytelling. Films with exclusively men or women characters can provide unique insights, both in terms of character development and narrative structure. Whether it is the total absence of females, as seen in The Thing, or the deliberate exclusion of males, as in the case of The Women, these films challenge traditional norms and offer new perspectives on the human experience.

Additional Resources

For further exploration of gender in cinema, consider the following articles and films:

The Thing (1982) The Women (1939) 12 Angry Men (1957) The Women (2008) 12 Angry Men (1997 TV movie)