Elderly woman in films. An evaluation to the filmic projects

Abstract

Woman on cinema both in front of and behind the camera is still limited; and this situation happens more frequently in the case of elderly women. We have selected and analysed films produced between 1960 and 2015 which  leading role or co-protagonism was an elderly woman (up to 55 years), with a gender focus from Gerontology (N=63). We have done a content analysis bringing together similar films in thematic categories: a.Films with a storyline around elderly woman are scarce. b.Films evaluated have been grouped into three categories with different sub-categories: a positive perspective (autonomous,  competent conflict management, explicit expression of desires, love and sex, courage, non conformity, empowerment); c.Women in a traditional role (caregivers, selfless and dependents). A negative perspective (unbearable mother-in-law, witches and perverses, and deranged). The largest number was for neutral and negative categories. In conclusion, a big effort is essential, educating people in observation and incorporating the perspective of woman and feminism behind cameras. If not, it will remain a social negative view of elderly, biased, far removed from any current and future reality.