A few days ago I was up kind of late with a friend and we ended up watching a few shows that I have never watched or payed attention to before. One of these shows was Golden Girls. Seeing a show with the four main characters being older women got me thinking about the fact that it is very rare to find female actresses over the age 35. But it seems that there are some shows and movies out there that do actually want older women for their show.
As we discussed in class women are most commonly portrayed as young and attractive even when they're supposed to be acting someone in their later years. Also actresses over 35 seem to have a hard time finding work in the world of TV because they look "old". I found it refreshing and fun to have a comedy about four older women. Not only were these women older than the average they were portrayed in their later years. I enjoyed the fact that in the episode I saw they didn't exactly stick to "elderly" roles. For example, Blanche (the woman in yellow) is trying to make a man that has stood her up twice, jealous by going out with and flirting with another man. These are usually actions associated with a younger woman yet they are being acted out by an older woman. Unfortunately I could not find the video clip. :(
After seeing this show I remembered watching a movie with my mom called Calender Girls. This movie was about older women who were doing a nude calender shoot to raise money for local hospital. It was funny and witty. I enjoyed the fact that it portrayed these women who were supposed to be "beyond their prime" as spunky, ambitious and above all very brave about doing a nude shoot. Generally when anyone hears the phrase "nude calender" they automatically think of younger women being in the photos because that is what the media has conditioned us to expect.
I was very happy to see that these women were all in their later years. None of them could have been under 35. I like to think that the number of shows and movies about older women in non-traditional roles is on the rise. It makes me happy to see that movies like this one are coming out to shake up the norm a bit. I was excited to see that someone wasn't afraid to make a movie about older women and portray them in an entirely untraditional way. Here's the trailer. I hope you all get a chance to enjoy a little bit of a different view on older women!
Older women in the film industry have a difficulties finding work. Betty White who is 90, has had a strong career through her elderly years. The Golden Girls was a very popular show without having beautiful actress. There has been a few spin off shows of the Golden Girls like Empty Nest. Calender Girls was a great example with the lead roles being well over the age of 35. There are many more movies that have elderly male roles Like Grand Torino and The Bucket List. Why don't they produce more movies with elderly female roles? I think with the right actress the movie could be a hit.
I have noticed that many comedies have older women, who look attractive or act much younger than they are in a flirtatious way. Grandmas Boy, Hall Pass, Two and a Half Men , and American Pie are just a few comedies I cant think of off the top of my head. People may think it is funny for a older women to act like a younger women. Why else are they would there be a good amount of them in comedy's. Finally, its older mothers of other characters that make it even more comical.
I enjoy watching shows with older women because it is realisitic; we all grow old sooner or later. And I find them funny too. But, the problem is that they are horribly stereotyped. These four women in the golden girls, such as Betty White, will always be known for that role and only get roles as witty older women. Even though, these roles may be enjoyed by others; it's all apart of a huge stereotype that they will never be able to break through.
Older women in the film industry have a difficulties finding work. Betty White who is 90, has had a strong career through her elderly years. The Golden Girls was a very popular show without having beautiful actress. There has been a few spin off shows of the Golden Girls like Empty Nest. Calender Girls was a great example with the lead roles being well over the age of 35. There are many more movies that have elderly male roles Like Grand Torino and The Bucket List. Why don't they produce more movies with elderly female roles? I think with the right actress the movie could be a hit.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that many comedies have older women, who look attractive or act much younger than they are in a flirtatious way. Grandmas Boy, Hall Pass, Two and a Half Men , and American Pie are just a few comedies I cant think of off the top of my head. People may think it is funny for a older women to act like a younger women. Why else are they would there be a good amount of them in comedy's. Finally, its older mothers of other characters that make it even more comical.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching shows with older women because it is realisitic; we all grow old sooner or later. And I find them funny too. But, the problem is that they are horribly stereotyped. These four women in the golden girls, such as Betty White, will always be known for that role and only get roles as witty older women. Even though, these roles may be enjoyed by others; it's all apart of a huge stereotype that they will never be able to break through.
ReplyDelete