The Star Trek franchise has been known for involving strong, well-developed female characters, from Lieutenant Uhura of the original series to Captain Janeway of Voyager. But how does the new motion picture reboot live up to this tradition?
Applying the Bechdel Test
One way to assess the movie is through use of the Bechdel test. This phrase comes from a comic strip called "Dykes to Watch Out For," by Allison Bechdel. This "test" supposedly serves as a quick way to determine if the female characters in a movie are sufficiently developed and motivated to serve as more than window dressing or plot points to serve the male interests of the rest of the movie. Whether the Bechdel test truly gives a fair or realistic assessment is up for debate.
In short, the Bechdel test is this: do any two female characters in the movie engage in a conversation that doesn't involve discussing a man. So the short answer is yes, the Star Trek movie does pass the Bechdel test.
However, this doesn't tell the whole story. First, the conversation in question occurs between Uhura and her roommate while Uhura is stripping to bra and panties and Kirk is lurking under the bed. The setup undermines a feminist interpretation, but by the strict interpretation of the Bechdel test, this scene passes.
Further Feminist Perspective
What happens after this, though, is far more important. The overheard conversation between the two women becomes a major plot point, as Kirk acts on what he's heard in a way that fires off the entire remainder of the movie. In fact, Kirk puts his career on the line based on his belief that Uhura's report was valid and accurate. Spock, too, confirms that Uhura's information is sound based on his knowledge of her abilities. The fact that the major male characters in the movie move forward based on information supplied by a woman without questioning the validity of that information provides a much more meaningful statement regarding Uhura's character development than the overly simplistic application of the Bechdel test.
Of course, other arguments could be made regarding the treatment of female characters in this new Trek universe. There are only two major female characters, and one of them, Amanda Grayson (Spock's mother), dies halfway through the movie. Her influence is felt throughout, though, as she is a formative influence in Spock's character. And although her primary function in the movie is defined by her relationship with Spock, she's also shown to be a high-level member of the Vulcan government. This added dimension to her character is presented briefly, but significantly, and goes a long way toward establishing her character as more than just a short-cut to rounding out Spock.
Uhura also could be seen as a bit problematic. Unlike the original Uhura, she's presented as a love interest for both Kirk and Spock. However, her characterization isn't dependent on this relationship. Unlike the female characters in Watchmen, for example, she's defined beyond her relationship to the men in the movie. In addition, Uhura's new status as love interest represents a movement forward in racial stereotypes. Uhura couldn't have taken this role in the original series simply because she was a black woman. In the new movie, her race is immaterial.
While the rebooted Star Trek is heavily weighted toward male characters, as was the original series, the women have strong roles that aren't dependent on the men. Perhaps with more installments coming over the next few years, they'll find even more room for futuristic female emancipation.
