French feminist group criticizes new movie Gone Girl.

ALERT: this post may contain SPOILERS

After the release of David Fincher’s latest movie Gone Girl, a French feminist association called “Osez le féminisme !” (dare feminism!) raised its voice and criticized the misogynistic tone of the film.

The film shows the life of a couple living in Missouri. One day the wife disappears and the police starts investigating on the case and interrogating the husband. The following events illustrate the dark past of the couple, based on adultery and revenge plans.

The French feminist group explains that the actions of the wife when looking to take her revenge on her cheating husband are the stereotypical patriarchal vision of men on women. They say that the film shows how women are supposed to use psychological violence because it is a woman’s weapon. They state that the film should not portray the woman as guilty and mentally disturbed as she is in Fincher’s movie.        

This case illustrates well the impact of Third Wave Feminism. This movement which appeared in the 90’s focuses on how women are portrayed in the media and offers stronger criticisms from diverse sub-groups. It has enabled a change in the mentalities regarding how women are portrayed as news anchors, actresses or talk show hosts.

However, some of these criticisms appear to lack credibility and persuasive power because of the lack of arguments and knowledge from these feminist sub-groups.

When looking at the criticism of Gone Girl we discover that the association may have not acknowledged the fact that the film is an adaption from a novel written by a woman. The group seems to only focus on the film that was directed by a man, the perfect target for a feminist group.  

Third Wave Feminism offers major changes that will allow a better representation of women in the contemporaneous media. However it also appears that this movement includes sub-groups that are aiming intense and sometimes violent critics on subjects they do not always master and which could impact the credibility of the whole Feminist movement.