Revenge of the 80s ~ Now With More 10s Sexism!
Friday, May 8, 2015 at 9:51AM 
When the red band trailer for the revival (not a reboot but a long distant "next generation" sequel) of Vacation premiered yesterday, with Chris Hemsworth swinging a big fake one around for a cheap laugh, it got me to thinking about how phallic-centric Hollywood has become. This is no new thinkpiece notion of course. But with the incredible amount of material from the 1980s that Hollywood has been mining and regurgitating, we're getting about the sharpest resolution picture possible of how Hollywood has regressed in terms of equal opportunities for female stars. Hollywood has always had its share of sexism but today's Hollywood seems especially female-averse. How did it happen exactly? Hollywood will reboot ANYTHING from the 1980s. So long as it did not star a woman. No, not even if it was a smash hit. They won't do it... although they will allow those titles to be remade for television if you're really desperate to see them revamped.
To prove the point here are a list of the most successful 1980s movies starring women. I only looked at the top 25 or so box office hits from each year of the 1980s. To give you a contemporary correlative of their success that's like from the tippity top American Sniper sized behemoth down to the Lucy-sized hit levels last year if you pretend that each year is roughly the same as the last in terms of gross domestic box office.
Disclaimer: This list should in no way be mistaken as a plea to remake these pictures -- we have more than enough remakes. We need original material! It's just to make a point.
40 BIGGEST HITS LED BY WOMEN IN THE 80S
(in very rough order of success)
GINORMOUS BLOCKBUSTERS
These films went toe-to-toe with pop culture male-centric behemoths which have already been remade or sequelized or what not for the big screen like Superman II, Arthur, The Karate Kid series, and the Rocky sequels
- Fatal Attraction (1987)
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
- On Golden Pond (1981)
- 9 to 5 (1980)
- Terms of Endearment (1983)
HUGE HITS
These film were all more or as successful as Footloose, Poltergeist, and Beetlejuice which have already been remade, rebooted, or sequelized or are about to be.
If you wanted big box office, it helped to have Kathleen Turner in your movies
- Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
- The Color Purple (1985)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
- Flashdance (1983)
- Out of Africa (1984)
- The War of the Roses (1989)
- Aliens (1986) -- an exception to the rule? as there are currently plans to bring Sigourney Weaver back to the role one last time. We'll see if it happens.
- Romancing the Stone & Jewel of the Nile (1984-1986) - this one is perhaps the most mystifying since boys love this franchise and they like to cater to boys in Hollywood
- Steel Magnolias (1989)
- Moonstruck (1987)
BIG HITS
These films were all roughly as or more successful in their initial runs than male-centric films that have already been remade or sequelized like Clash of the Titans and the Vacation series.
- Private Benjamin (1980)
- Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
- Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
- Splash (1984)
- Annie (1982) - one of only three to be remade - it was a hit again
- Working Girl (1988)
- The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
- Beaches (1988)
- Bull Durham (1988)
SOLID HITS
This last crop were not quite major hits but they were success stories. But consider the list of male led films in the same boat, all of which were just barely this successful or less successful but have already been remade or sequelized: the Mad Max series, Tron, Red Dawn, Fright Night, Wall Street, The Thing and Arnold Schwarzenneger's last outing as Conan... and soon Bladerunner if Denis Villeneuve makes good on his plans. Proving once again that if you want to have a second chance at film glory in the 21st century, bring your own penis!
- Outrageous Fortune (1987)
- Broadcast News (1987)
- Yentl (1983)
- Absence of Malice (1981)
- Legal Eagles (1986)
- Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
- Little Darlings (1980)
- Pretty in Pink (1986)
- About Last Night (1986) -- recently remade - a modest hit again.
- Endless Love (1981) - the only other one. It flopped this time
- Best Friends (1982)
- Big Business (1988)
- Silkwood (1983)
- Places in the Heart (1984)
- Sophie's Choice (1982)
- Victor / Victoria (1982)
What do you think happened to make Hollywood so girl averse? Why are the executives now in charge who grew up in the 70s and 80s (when females stars had plenty of hits) so non-nostalgic for women's pictures even though they're nostalgic for literally everything else -- including long forgotten franchises like The Lone Ranger and Mr Peabody and Sherman.
I have one theory looking over this list and it's the loss of the star vehicle. A lot of these pictures seem tailor made to sell the unique appeal of their particular stars... making remakes less savory to think of. That's especially true of the musicals (Whorehouse & Victor/Victoria without those particular stars? Unthinkable!) when that genre was dying out. The 1980s were kind to Kathleen Turner, Bette Midler, Sally Field, Goldie Hawn, Dolly Parton, Sarandon, Cher, Tomlin, Fonda, Streep, etcetera who each have multiple smashes on this list.
If you were an executive asked to find a property for revival from the 80s, which of these 40 films would you choose?
P.S. Related: My Top Ten of the 1980s
Reader Comments (41)
Steel Magnolias was remade, albeit for TV. And a few of those have been adapted to the stage like The Color Purple, 9 to 5, Driving Miss Daisy, Flashdance, and Moonstruck*.
But, yeah, some of these seem perfect to be remade like Big Business and 9 to 5, which are still high concept enough to work with easily definable character traits that can be taken over by equally personality-strong actors.
So, basically, I don't have an answer.
* If it happened on SMASH then it's real, right?
Fatal Attraction with Mo'Nique and The War of the Roses with Cotillard.
How about Fatal Attraction with Rose Byrne, to make a Damages connection? Also, Wicker Park. Byrne has had a good comedy run but it's about time she makes use of her dramatic gifts.
The Witches of Eastwick has been remade (and remade) for TV a few times, if memory serves.
I do remember reading that Anna Faris was planning to produce and star, post-House Bunny, in a remake of Private Benjamin. I totally could see her in that role and yet am glad it never panned out. (Goldie Hawn was *perfect* the first time around.)
Regarding remakes in general, I wish Hollywood would stick to original material or *at least* remake movies that had a good idea but bad or flawed execution (i.e. Legal Eagles and perhaps Outrageous Fortune from your '80 roster). That at least would make some creative sense.
I feel like if nothing else this post proves that someone should give Dolly another great role, as she was Box Office dynamite for a brief time there in the 1980's.
Hollywood is just more Franchise/teen focused now,good female driven films are just smaller but sometimes just as good,where are a few modern day Sally's/Sissy's and Jessicas.
Agreed re: star power. Seems like a lot of these titles are more performance and writing contingent rather than a hooky premise or title they can adjust at will. We haven't seen a "9 to 5" remake but we did get "The Other Woman" as an example of how wrong that kind of dynamic can go. Many of the above movies were kind of lightning in a bottle, while the trend of rebooting action and franchise films has more built-in assurances.
Of course, worrying about solid construction and developing projects for actress' strengths wouldn't be such a worry if Hollywood were actually consistent at either in the first place.
Working Girl would be a great reboot - the movie in my mind is a quintessential portrait of the late 80's, but the issue of equal pay and opportunities in the workplace is still timely, and could easily be translated to today's corporate America. If not a movie, then a series at least.
I came in here to post about the "Anna Faris was gonna make a Private Benjamin movie" thing but Mareko beat me to the punch. I'd TOTALLY have watched that movie though, and I still would, although she might be getting a little old for the role now. Actually looking it up Goldie was 35 when she made it which surprises me; Anna is only three years older than that.
Anyway I'd love for Anna to get back into the movie-making business, but she's making so much money off of Mom... she was also talked about as a female Ghostbuster around the same time, a few years ago. I realize I'm rambling about Anna Faris now and not specifically the topic at hand so I'll shut up.
Well, we do have a modern-day Jessica (who is superior to the old one, but I digress). I don't think we're lacking for good actresses who could lead star vehicles if given the opportunity. When I rewatched 9 to 5 recently, I was thinking how seamlessly Tina Fey could move into Lily's part if they remade it (and she's someone who has struggled to find a niche in movies).
Phallocentric Hollywood...but now with even less penis than in the '80s! Funny that.
Do Not touch Working Girl Weaver is so flawless in that damn Geena Davis.
I don't think the proportion of women in movies has gotten much lower but Hollywood makes less movies now which means even less roles for women.
I thought Jessica Simpson remade Pvt. Benjamin but looking at her IMDB page that changed it to Major Movie Star so apparently it's not exactly a remake. And no one saw it. So there's that.
I am actually constantly surprised whenever a year goes by and DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN hasn't been remade with whatever pop star is particularly huge at the time. Maybe they're all afraid.
A Splash remake is a no-brainer. Strange that hasn't happened.
Though it's not on the list, my mind went to a redo of "Overboard" with Reese Witherspoon as the headliner. Weird.
It's so rare now for modestly budgeted films to be the big box office hits of the year, let alone ones that feature women. The last one was "The Blind Side," and before that "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Instead we get superhero movies left and right.
I have read some things like mark mentioned:
Cinemas are targeted to teenage boys who go to Malls. Unfortunately!!!
Films and roles for women have been relocated to TV. Apparently, women are the target for great TV writing.
The whole scenario is pitiable, there should be great films in CINEMAS for everyone. Markets can be created, great roles for women DO exist, they are not being filmed. I prefer to think this way.
Apparently all you silly men have forgotten about Hunger Games, Twilight, etc.
Not the greatest movies, but big hits starring strong female characters (in the former anyway).
It IS getting better, but it's still not good enough.
I actually think it's getting worse, not better. You do have powerhouse women now (Lawrence, Bullock, Streep, Jolie and McCarthy are probably at the very top), but that is only a handful of women. In comparison, there are probably over 25 men who can easily get $10 million or more for commercial product.
Some of these movies listed above would now only be cable or small house movies. The general business focus now for studios is to make cartoon tent-pole films (Iron Man, Captain America, Batman, Superman, anything with a man as the lead).
Even when a woman director makes an impact, she is often overlooked. She does not have studios lining up so they can make her next film (and it's even hard for her to get one film made).
And of course, you still have age discrimination. Only a few women can be over 50 and star in a movie (Streep, Mirren and Dench), and if you can't get them, no movie gets made. Stay at home Sigourney, Jessica Lange, etc. Hey Denzel, Harrison, Sean, Liam, Daniel Day, DeNiro, Pacino, etc., we have a new movie for you!
I like that Streep set up a foundation for over 40 women screenwriters. Change has to come from within and from other successful women helping other women. Maybe women in power at studios are helping, but I still think it's unusual for a big movie to be led by a woman.
While the Jane/Lilly/Dolly trio is unbeatable 9 to 5 seems the story easiest to update since true parity in the workplace is still an issue.
Casting that might work:
Sandra Bullock or Viola Davis in Lily's role as Violet
Judy Greer or Christina Applegate stepping in for Jane as Judy
Anna Faris or Penelope Cruz as Dora Lee
Steve Carell as Sexist, Egotistical, Lying Hypocritical Bigot Franklin Hart
Glenn Close as Hart's lapdog Roz.
I just imagined Kathleen Turner as the lead in all the movies you listed under Ginormous Blockbusters/Huge Hits and (of course) it works, especially with Fatal Attraction and Moonstruck.
Let's talk about the brilliant setup for this sequel/reboot in the trailer -
"I've never even heard of the original vacation."
"Doesn't matter, the new vacation will stand on its own."
Romancing the Stone & Jewel of the Nile are such an obvious choice. And I would cast Emma Stone as the lead.
Also, The Color Purple, but not a remake, they should do the musical as a movie with Patina Miller.
You left out Fame, Gloria, Mother's Day, and a host of horror films (Prom Night, My Bloody Valentine, etc.) And there does seem to be trend of remaking animated films featuring female characters as live-action films: Snow White (in multiple permutations), 101 Dalmatians, and Cinderella, for example.
I can think of a few possible reasons in addition to sexism for why films featuring women haven't been remade to the same degree as films featuring men.
1. Films featuring women have to be better just to get made in the first place, which means there is less reason to remake them.
2. The way women are defined culturally has changed a lot in the past 20–30 years, so that the stories that clicked then would have to be heavily reworked to click now. "Private Benjamin" is a masterpiece, for example, but it's also dated.
3. Female actors aren't clamoring to play roles created by other female actors in the 1980s. At least I haven't read about that happening.
But sexism is undoubtedly a bigger factor than any of those.
Sigh! There goes my childhood.
I am so surprised to see that On Golden Pond and Sophie's Choice both had been hit movies back in the 80s!
If releases today, those movies will hardly even make any money.
and I remember there's an article saying that Kramer vs. Kramer was the last highest grossing movie of its respective year that is made stricly for grown-ups, let alone divorcing ones.
@Troy H.: I'd go see that movie! But who to play the Kurt Russell part with Reese? Chris O'Dowd maybe?
mystic pizza! lol
Lots of good thoughts in this thread.
I feel a bit as though I'm not desperate to see any of those female-centric movies remade...but that's because I'm not a fan of remaking old films on the whole anyway, regardless of gender - very few remakes seem necessary, and even fewer turn out to be as good as, or better than, the original. I typically find myself thinking, "Just re-release the original version and spend your budget on making a new story." So I would say that Hollywood also needs to get more creative in what it does with its male leads. But I understand that some people like to remake the things they loved when they were kids/teens, which is why so many remakes happen at thirty-year intervals: you're now at the age where you can instigate a project that is dear to you in your youth. So, why is it that so many of the female-centric projects aren't getting remade while those that starred men are?
I think that mark and Dave S. are right re: female star power. I take that as a tribute to the exceptional actresses who were acting in these films in the '80s. But that didn't stop Hollywood from remaking Arthur, which, in the original, had had the incomparable Dudley Moore. I lament the current dearth of big-screen female stars of the nature of Kathleen Turner, Cher, Glenn Close, Bette Midler, Debra Winger, Sissy Spacek - women who were given the chance to be every bit as fascinating as their male co-stars (and sometimes didn't even need male co-stars, e.g. Nine to Five, Crimes of the Heart, Beaches).
We don't lack talented actresses today. And there are occasionally films these days that hark back to the kinds of achievements we're talking about - e.g. Julie and Julia. Indeed, Amy Adams is perhaps as good an example as any of an actress who has achieved a great deal, over the age of thirty, in current Hollywood films. But there seem to be far fewer examples of actresses achieving that than thirty years ago.
I think jimstoic has a good point: the changing nature of women in society means that a lot of these women's roles from the '80s would need seriously reworking. But that would make for very interesting remakes - films that respect the original film while really adding to it by bringing a new, modern take to the subject matter. Think, for example, of how interesting a new version of The War of the Roses could be. Also, Hollywood could sequelise some of those movies. How about a further film about Dan and Beth from Fatal Attraction, starring Michael Douglas and Anne Archer, looking at how their marriage fared after the events of the first film. Has he had more affairs? Did Beth ever forgive him? What about their child, now a grown woman herself (a role for Ellen Page?)?
As far as remakes that wouldn't need much reworking go, I'd be up for seeing a new Peggy Sue Got Married. Just shift the eras of present and past and the nostalgia/regrets/what if? scenario would still work like a dream (and could maybe even be done better this time - not that you could improve on Kathleen Turner, but you could equal her, and the film itself could be better than the first one).
Another thing that can be done is to remake a film that had a male lead before with a female lead this time. (Maybe this has been done before; say if so!) Why not remake Witness with a female cop? And with a female witness? The cop could fall in love with the girl's widowed father...
And if superheroes are what people want, why not remake Supergirl? The first film certainly left room for improvement!
Whichever way we cut it, the post shows how feminine Hollywood culture in the 1980s was compared with today. Granted, Twilight and The Hunger Games have been big smashes recently, as tonytr points out, but think back to the fact that, within a seven-year period, the Best Picture Oscar went to Kramer vs. Kramer, Ordinary People, Terms of Endearment and Out of Africa - 'women's pictures' each and every one of them (despite the first two being focused primarily on their male leads). And they were all big hits (Ordinary People less so, but the other three were huge).
The world is round, Hollywood! (Thanks Cate!)
PATRIARCHAL WHITE SUPREMACY
Edward L -- thanks for taking this post as it was intended to really discuss what the issues are and ways of getting around it.
Fadhil - part of the issue was back then more people went to the movies. Not only did VHS and increasing television options reduce numbers for moviegoing (the only reason we get such big grosses now is not attendance, it's high ticket prices) . Unfortunately Hollywood compounded the problem by focusing on teenage boys (a market that some people say is starting to desert them as well now due to the rise of video games as teenage boy #1 entertainment) and reducing the number of films it made for adults which only taught adults to stay away... and then they made it even worse by deciding that the only time they'd release adult movies was during four months of the year. Habits can be broken and if you get people out of the habit of being regular moviegoers, they are hard to get back.
jimstoic -- i left out any of the films that weren't in the top 25 or so from their box office year which includes some of the ones you mentioned. Fame was # 32 of its year. Gloria was #88 of 1980. Prom Night was #49. I was jsut looking at top hits. though certainly the slasher flicks were profitable because they cost so little to make.
Joel, love the casting for the new 9 To 5! Carrell would be brilliant! And I'll watch anything with Christina Applegate--a comic genius who I adore.
Nathaniel - I was just too tired last night to get on my soapbox, but thanks for this article.
I would co-sign the comments made by Edward L,Jono, Marcelo, Mark.etc.
Thanks for proving once again that TFE (and it's readers) is the best blog for a feminist cinephile.
I just want to add 2 quick thoughts:
1. Jane Fonda/Goldie Hawn - Fonda was a producer for both "On Golden Pond" & "9 to Five", and Goldie Hawn produced "Private Benjamin" and "First Wives Club". It wasn't a cake walk to get female-centric films made in the 80's -female stars had to take initiative to make that happen.
2. Try checking out the Make it Fair Project -for a cheeky PSA with Rita Wilson, Mamie Gummer for a wry look at the statistical breakdown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuHAMpg9FwQ
Actresses need both a sense of humour and some tough perseverance to get men to make some changes.
Lots of great films with women in that era, and I am sad they don't make them now. Hunger Games and Divergent are fantasy films. Hot Pursuit is a recent example of how uncreative current female projects are now.
Seems you are in sync with Hadley Freeman at The Guardian who just posted "Why I owe it all to 1980's movies,
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/09/dirty-dancing-ghostbusters-80s-films-hadley-freeman
Her analysis makes for a fun and thoughtful read. Freeman interviewed Kathleen Turner
and quotes her as saying:
“The women are such cliches. Women today are encouraged to play the character that sells. That poor woman Jennifer Aniston has been playing the same role for 20 years. I’m like, come on, honey, aren’t you bored?"
adri: I immediately thought of Bradley Cooper in the Kurt Russell role, which is ironic considering my lack of esteem for him as an actor, but I love Chris O'Dowd, so I endorse that choice.
But going back to the main question posed in this post, I believe that as long as any group is considered "fringe" or "minority" with respect to either literal numbers or social capital, this will be an ongoing battle with an uphill climb. We could see a string of hit films starring predominately female (or brown or gay) casts/characters, yet it would only take one monumental failure in said category for some jackass in a decision-making position to say, "See, those movies don't make money" for everyone else to get antsy about producing them. We're not simply talking about sexism (or racism or homophobia), but systems of structural power that take a long time to change -- yes, even despite eras during which it seemed that things may have permanently.
Very nice article. It's very sad to notice the "involution" nowadays. To me the problem starts when people think about "women films", as far as I know, wether the main character is a man or a woman, the success of a film relies on how the story within it is told. Men and women are human beings both, and as such, men and women deserve representation in film.
"Romancing the Stone" would be remade... so could "Flashdance"