I, personally think the Wonder Woman movie was very good. However, that doesn’t mean the film is free from critique – it hardly solves the issues that affect non-cishet, non-white, disabled women, and it basically wasn’t that much of a win for diverse representation in mainstream media. The Amazons of color are relegated to background, non-speaking roles, and do not appear past the first act of the film. Moreover, while directed by a woman, the screenplay was written entirely by white men. Aside from Jenkins, Deborah Snyder is the only other woman credited in the production of the film. Gal Gadot did good in the role, but she was most certainly not the best actress for the job. There were many other actresses to choose from. So, yes, ultimately this movie is a step in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do. All that stuff is another article, for another day. Today I want to talk to you about Joss Whedon and his inability to write strong female characters.
Joss Whedon is best known as the creator of the tv show, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He co-wrote Toy Story and a few other things, so I’m sure you’ve heard of him. I, myself, have known that Joss Whedon doesn’t understand how to write strong female characters, or any female characters, for that matter, since Avengers: Age of Ultron came out. Recently one of the first scripts for Wonder Woman, written by Joss Whedon, has been leaked, and it is terrible. Twitter user Rave Sashayed, (@_sashayed) explained in a series of tweets why it was so bad.
a fun thing abt this script is that it is CALLED Wonder Woman but right off the bat is clearly not about a woman at all!! Daring choice pic.twitter.com/r0SEU2Uhr4
— Rave Sashayed (@_sashayed) June 15, 2017
When describing one of the main characters, Joss Whedon wrote, “HYPPOLYTE is every inch a queen: noble, beautiful, thoughtful. She is middle-aged, but very much in her prime.”
“Steve (appearing)” PHEW!!!!! now at last diana can learn some Lessons. I hope 1 day my daughter can dress up as feminist icon Steve Trevor pic.twitter.com/n6nLv7TiRj
— Rave Sashayed (@_sashayed) June 16, 2017
This script is all about Steve Trevor, the love interest who we shouldn’t even be focusing on. Joss Whedon’s version of this movie is entirely told through Steve Trevor’s perspective.
STOP READING IT! i have to stop reading it. pic.twitter.com/dBsVNxyitP
— Rave Sashayed (@_sashayed) June 16, 2017
“Then she moves her leg back and turns, fluidly, a curve rippling up her body as she folds into a dance that is sensual, ethereal, and wicked sexy.”
So not only is the script written from Steve’s point of view, it appeals to the male gaze more than anything. I mean, come on, I feel like I need to shower after reading that line.Go read the rest of that twitter thread just to see for yourself, that Joss Whedon is incapable of writing a female character. Honestly, just keep him away from writing any movie ever again after this.
