Feminist Auteurs: Reading Women's Films

I read this book for a class, Women & Film. I don't consider myself an expert- or even proficient- in film terminology, so I found that aspect of the book to be a little confusing. This book is not for the film novice; though, if someone is particularly ambitious, they may be able to decipher it without the help of a professor. If you're up for the challenge, I can guarantee that you will feel as though you've accomplished something if you understand this book. It is a must-read for feminists, as woman's depiction in film seems to be one of the most troublesome aspects of women in the media. The films that Ramanathan chooses to examine are profoundly important to the women's movement and, in particular, the second-wave. If you're more of a film-expert rather than a feminist-scholar, don't let that aspect of the book scare you. Ramanathan interweaves issues of racism, nationality and sexuality throughout the text as well. The book is also divided into sections so the introduction to each chapter gives the reader the knowledge necessary to understand Ramanthan's exploration of each film; it's not really the sort of book that you sit down on the beach and read straight through. Be prepared to search for hard-to-find films once you read about them and are interested in seeing them.

The clear prose and succinct ideas make this book perfect for feminist film courses or anyone seeking to hone their critical analysis of film. The book is a must for graduate students taking up women's studies or film studies. Ramanathan's prose is direct and insightful. Because the prose is so clear and accessible, this text ranks essential, right alongside of an important work like Alice Doesn't. I especially like the range of films discussed, specifically such complex films as Watermelon Woman. An entire course could work around this book--I plan to use it when I teach feminist film. I highly recommend it and wish it were required reading in basic film courses so that students might experience an excellent critical lens for regarding women's film.