Throughout cinematic history, movies were often a product of their times. Depictions of people reflected the views and mores of the era. Views on social issues like race (think “The Birth of a Nation” (1915)), which we would find unacceptable today, were par for the course in decades gone by. The same goes for relationships between men and women in the era of the “Me Too” movement. What some may view as bordering on, or even outright, sexual harassment today was perfectly acceptable, even in recent years. Here is a rundown of ten movies when pop culture didn’t blink twice sexual harassment in movies.
“The Sheikh” (1921) and “Son of the Sheikh” (1926)
While these are two separate movies, the lead male characters were played by the same actor, Rudolph Valentino, with essentially the same treatment of women in each film. Valentino was unarguably one of, if not the, greatest romantic actors of the silent film era, and “The Sheikh” and “Son of the Sheikh” were two of his most popular movies. But they portrayed the lead women in much the same way. The women were kidnapped by the lead characters played by Valentino. The women were, by today’s standards, subsequently and essentially assaulted by the lead male character (though the assaults were implied to comply with decency rules governing movies at the time). And the women still later came to love their “captor” by the end of the film. Classic definition of Stockholm Syndrome.
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner is considered the gold standard of the genre “tech noir”. But it’s also one of many example of non consent in movies. The hero, Rick Deckard, pursues a women who isn’t even really human. After telling Rachel, her entire life has been a lie, he later corners her in his apartment. He tells her to say “kiss me” and “I want you”, and eventually she capitulates. It’s spun in such a way to suggest it as a romantic moment, but looking at it through today’s societal lens, one can see how this scene comes off as “rapey”.
There’s Something About Mary (1998)
There’s Something About Mary” is a classic romantic comedy where three different men pursue Cameron Diaz’s character. Ted, played by Ben Stiller, eventually wins the girl in teh end. However, what he doesn’t reveal is he hires a private detective to track her more than 10 years after dating in high school. Mary uncovers what Ted has done eventually, writing it off as proof of love for her. But it still remains one of many examples of sexual harassment movies. If you experience similar things in your life, especially in the workplace, it’s good to contact sexual harassment lawyer in NYC, as it’s not normal.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones is played by actress Rene Zellweger with two love interests. However, everyone turns a blind eye to the sexual harassment portrayed by Hugh Grant’s character, who is Bridget Jones’ Boss. He gives her suggestive messages while they’re together. And when she breaks it off, he minimizes her role in the office and treats her so badly she decides to quit.
Love Actually (2003)
In “Love Actually”, Mark gives placards to hsi interest Juliet, saying he loves her with no agenda. She reciprocates with a kiss. However, 1) Juliet is a married woman. And 2) unbeknownst to Juliet, Mark surreptitiously zeroes in on her while filming her wedding to Mark’s best friend. What’s more, he keeps the video, likely for his own personal perusal.
Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Game of Thrones may be an award-winning show and one of the most popular programs in HBO history, but it is also another shining example of sexual harassment movies and TV shows. Sansa Stark is pursued and kissed by a much older LIttlefinger, while he’s married to another woman. Littlefinger then essentially sells Sansa off to her soon-to-be husband, Ramsey Bolton, who rapes her on their wedding night. Daenarys Targaryen is raped by her husban Khal Drogo, on their wedding night but later falls in love with him. Another example of Stockholm Syndrome. And these are just two of many examples of such behavior throughout Game of Thrones’ entire run.
21 Jump Street (2012)
“21 Jump Street” is based on the 1980’s show starring Johnny Depp. This cinematic remake, while a comedy with a lot of outrageous behavior, also includes an inappropriate relationship between one of the lead male characters and a high school student. In real life, this would be considered statutory rape, depending on the state.
Palo Alto (2013)
“Palo Alto” highlights sexual abuse, but nowhere is it more ubiquitous than with the character, Fred. He starts a sexual relationship with his friend, Emily. But later it escalates to the point of Fred becoming more aggressive in his sexual demands, and later, it being revealed that he essentially loaned her out for sex to his high school friends. While shocking, Fred’s role and responsibility is minimized so much in this movie, it comes across as simply a hormone-driven, overly sex-obsessed teenage boy.
Westworld (2016–)
In “Westworld,” we get an interesting look into the psyche of William and Man in Black and how a seemingly benign man evolves into such a ruthless sexual harasser. During the first season, William falls in love, and eventually becomes obsessed with, Delores. The evolution of the relationship shows how love can drive any man to sexual misconduct. But that’s generally not how love is supposed to work.
Passengers (2016)
Passengers sees two lonely souls on a decades-long trip to another planet. All the crew is in stasis, but for some reason, Chris Pratt’s sleep pod malfunctions and he wakes up. Consumed with loneliness, he wakes up one of the more attractive of the thousands of passengers on the ship. Only a few years into a decades long space journey, the woman is condemned to a life with the only other awake person on board. The movei portrays her as falling in love, but it’s a selfish and forced affection as Pratt’s character is the only other “living soul around”.
These movies are just some of the examples of behavior that has been condoned and romaticized throughout the history of cinema but by today’s standard and awareness stand out as examples of non consent in movies. Breaking down and analyzing Hollywood harassment movies can lead to a greater awareness of the cultures we live in today and create a better world for both men and women.