When you finish a documentary and start to question how you live your life, and question decisions you make, I feel like that is a very well made documentary. "Miss Representation" is one such documentary. "Miss Representation" examines rape culture, body image and self worth. The film has a lot of well-known, powerful women speaking on how little women are represented in Hollywood and in politics. From Jane Fonda to Katie Couric to Condoleeza Rice, these women speak on how hard it has been for them to be taken seriously, and what it means to be a women in their position. Some of the statistics are shocking, which is part of the reason that this film is so great. Shocking statistics and well-known women make this film powerful. There is even a few men offering their opinions on the matter, which always refreshing in a discussion about feminism. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2UZZV3xU6Q&feature=youtu.be There were a few things in the film that I did not care for. The film was supposed to be about women’s representation in media and politics, but towards the end they briefly started talking about how men are affected as well. I understand that there are stereotypes with men as well, but frustrating in a film that is trying to show how little there is out there in terms of women only media. Another thing that was strange was the narration stopped during the climax of the documentary. I wish they would have incorporated the narrator a little more during the most intense part. It would have made some transitions in topic a little smoother. "Miss Representation" ends with a clear call to action, which I also value in a documentary. I hate when you watch something or hear something that is inspiring and there is no clear way to promote change. “Miss Representation” offers several challenges to the viewer, from texting a number, checking out a website or simply changing what TV channel you watch. They were all simple things to do, that could make a big difference in the movement. For those two minor things that I did not like, I took away a half star, leaving this film with a 3.5 stars out of 4 stars. The documentary will be shown on campus tomorrow in Arntzen Hall at 6 p.m., with discussion time afterwards. I would suggest going to that. This documentary provokes conversation. If you cannot attend then this film is available for purchased streaming on Amazon and Google and with subscription on Netflix.
