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Complicated Women summary
Brief summary
Complicated Women by Mick LaSalle explores the portrayal of complex and independent female characters in early 20th century Hollywood films. It delves into the societal and cultural factors that influenced these representations.
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Complicated Women
Summary of key ideas
The Golden Age of Women in Hollywood
In Complicated Women by Mick LaSalle, we are taken on a captivating journey through the golden age of women in Hollywood. LaSalle beautifully chronicles how, during the pre-Code era, women in American cinema were portrayed as complex, independent, and sexually liberated beings, challenging traditional gender roles.
LaSalle's narrative begins with the inception of the Code, a set of strict censorship guidelines implemented in 1934 to regulate the content of motion pictures. The Code was a reactionary response to the perceived immorality and 'excesses' of films during the pre-Code era, which had depicted women in a more realistic and unbridled manner.
Exploring the Enigmatic Stars
As we delve deeper into Complicated Women, LaSalle introduces us to the enigmatic stars of the time, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Joan Crawford. These actresses, he argues, were the embodiment of the 'complicated woman' on screen, often playing characters that were sexually assertive, fiercely independent, and unapologetically ambitious.
LaSalle particularly focuses on Garbo, the Swedish-born actress who became an iconic figure during the silent era and successfully transitioned into the talkies. Garbo's characters were often strong-willed and mysterious, challenging the traditional female archetypes prevalent in earlier films.
Unraveling the Pre-Code Films
In the middle section of Complicated Women, LaSalle delves into the pre-Code films themselves, analyzing specific movies and their portrayal of women. He highlights how these films, unlike their post-Code counterparts, depicted women as multifaceted individuals with desires, ambitions, and flaws.
One film that LaSalle examines in detail is Red-Headed Woman (1932), starring Jean Harlow. In this movie, Harlow's character is unapologetically sexual and manipulative, unafraid to use her beauty and cunning to climb the social ladder. Such portrayals, LaSalle argues, were only possible during the pre-Code era.
The Impact of the Code
As we approach the latter part of Complicated Women, LaSalle discusses the profound impact of the Code on Hollywood and its portrayal of women. With the implementation of the Code, the once complex and independent female characters were replaced by more traditional, moralistic stereotypes, such as the virtuous wife or the self-sacrificing mother.
LaSalle laments the loss of the pre-Code era, arguing that the Code had a stifling effect on the portrayal of women in cinema, limiting their roles and perpetuating gender stereotypes. He suggests that the disappearance of these complicated female characters from the screen was a significant loss for both cinema and society.
Legacy of the Complicated Women
In the concluding chapters of Complicated Women, LaSalle reflects on the enduring legacy of the 'complicated woman' in Hollywood. He contends that, despite the Code and its constraints, the spirit of these complex female characters continued to influence and inspire future generations of actresses and filmmakers.
In essence, Complicated Women serves as a poignant tribute to the women of the pre-Code era, celebrating their complexity, resilience, and unapologetic independence. LaSalle's work is a compelling exploration of a bygone era in cinema, shedding light on the power and influence of these 'complicated women' both on and off the screen.
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What is Complicated Women about?
Complicated Women by Mick LaSalle explores the portrayal of women in pre-Code Hollywood films. LaSalle delves into the complex and multifaceted female characters that graced the silver screen during this period, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations. Through insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, the book sheds light on a fascinating era in film history and its impact on society.
Complicated Women Review
Complicated Women (2000) dives into the world of early Hollywood and portrays the complex lives of actresses of the time. Here's why this book is worth picking up:
- It reveals the untold stories of these actresses, showcasing their struggles and triumphs in a male-dominated industry.
- The book sheds light on their influence in shaping the portrayal of women on screen, challenging stereotypes and norms.
- With its detailed analysis of cinema history and feminist perspectives, it offers a fresh and engaging take on these iconic figures.
Who should read Complicated Women?
Readers who are interested in the history of women in cinema
Those who enjoy exploring complex and multidimensional female characters in movies
Individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of how societal attitudes towards women have been reflected in film
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Complicated Women FAQs
What is the main message of Complicated Women?
The main message of Complicated Women is the portrayal of complex and multifaceted female characters in classic Hollywood films.
How long does it take to read Complicated Women?
It takes a few hours to read Complicated Women. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Complicated Women a good book? Is it worth reading?
Complicated Women is a compelling read shedding light on the nuanced representation of women in cinema, definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of Complicated Women?
Mick LaSalle is the author of Complicated Women.
What to read after Complicated Women?
If you're wondering what to read next after Complicated Women, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda