Is the representation of women in Hollywood action films more positive now than...

[ShelleyW]

...in previous years? Also, why do you think a change has/has not occurred?

All opinions welcomed.

 

[Dolkite]

Definitely. Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in the "Alien" films used to be the only female in an action film who wasn't there to root for the male hero and/or get rescued. Now female action heroes are so commonplace that they don't even bother mentioning it now. I think the transition began when they made the "Tomb Raider" films.

In response to the earlier answer....yeah, they have to be buff and toned, but then again, how many fat or scrawny male action heroes do you see?

 

[drjohndee]

I'm inclined to say "no". They still need to be buffed and toned and skimpily / tightly clad.

There are probably more powerful heroines than there used to be, but ultimately they are still expected to cleave to the hero, or be a frigid harpy.