Masculinity In The Bechdel Test

The Bechdel Test is a commonly known test that identifies whether or not two woman talk to each other about something other than a man. Not surprisingly, a lot of films fail this test. Whiplash has only male lead characters; with the only woman being a secondary character. Considering that there are only two main characters, it is understandable that this film would not pass the test. However, it is interesting to note the lack of female characters even as background characters. The film Whiplash uses an all-male cast to exhibit how extreme and abusive Fletcher is towards his students by using language and stereotypes regarding masculinity. The audience is introduced to the main characters in the first scene. Andrew is playing the drum when his soon to be teacher, Fletcher, comes in and watches him play. This introduces the characters’ personalities as well. Andrew was eager to please and Fletcher acted like it wasn’t worth his time to watch him play. By this first scene, we can already tell that

He uses homophobic insults towards the band and calls them ladies to get them to do what he wants. Fletcher believes that these subsets of people are below straight men. Why else would he use them as insults? There are no females in the band because his thoughts are they aren’t as good as men. Whether its women aren’t as ambitious or can’t handle the pressure, Fletcher won’t let them play in his band. These ideas are reflected by The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Lockhart). In this book, the main character, Frankie, isn’t allowed in to a secret society because she is a girl. The leaders of this secret society have the same thoughts that Fletcher has. They believe women are too weak and won’t be able to keep up with them. Fletcher uses name calling as a way of telling the band that they are as bad as women or gay men. He believes that being either of those things is akin to being