Complicated Women summary

The Rise of Complex Women in Hollywood

In Complicated Women, Mick Lasalle explores the dynamic shift in the portrayal of women in Hollywood films during the pre-Code era of the 1920s and early 1930s. This period was marked by a remarkable freedom in content and expression in the film industry, before the imposition of the Production Code, a set of industry censorship guidelines.

Lasalle focuses on the emergence of complex, multifaceted female characters during this time. He highlights the groundbreaking performances of actresses such as Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Norma Shearer, who portrayed women unafraid of their sexuality, assertive in their careers, and unapologetic in their desires. These characters were far removed from the passive, one-dimensional women often seen in earlier films.

Exploring the Nuanced Female Persona

Delving into specific films, Lasalle examines how these actresses brought depth and nuance to their roles. For instance, Garbo's portrayal of a seductive, independent woman in Mata Hari and Shearer's daring performance as a sexually liberated woman in The Divorcee challenged societal norms and offered audiences a new perspective on female identity and agency.

Lasalle also discusses the impact of these films on the cultural landscape of the time, arguing that they reflected and influenced changing attitudes towards gender roles, sexuality, and women's rights. The characters these actresses embodied were not just entertaining; they were also revolutionary in their representation of women.

The Imposition of the Production Code

The book takes a somber turn with the arrival of the Production Code in 1934, a response to growing public and political concerns about the moral content of movies. The Code imposed strict guidelines on what could and couldn't be shown on screen, effectively censoring the bold, independent women who had become icons of the pre-Code era.

Lasalle describes how the introduction of the Code led to the demise of these complex female characters, with Hollywood reverting to more traditional, conservative portrayals of women. Actresses who had once embodied daring, liberated personas were now forced into more conventional roles, and the nuanced female characters of the pre-Code era largely disappeared from the screen.

Legacy of the Pre-Code Era

In the final part of Complicated Women, Lasalle reflects on the enduring impact of the pre-Code era. Despite its relatively short lifespan, he argues that this period left a lasting impression on the portrayal of women in cinema. The complex, independent women of the pre-Code era continued to inspire future generations of actresses and filmmakers, and their influence can be seen in later films that challenged traditional gender norms.

In conclusion, Complicated Women is a celebration of the vibrant, boundary-pushing female characters that graced the screen during the pre-Code era. It serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect and shape societal attitudes, particularly in relation to gender, and sheds light on a fascinating period in Hollywood history.