The Bechdel Test Infographic
First appearing in Alison Bechdel’s Dykes to Watch Out For, The Bechdel-Wallace test performs a simple measurement of female representation in film and television. Applied to the winners of the Oscar Best Picture award since its start in 1929, this infographic means to illustrate the gender bias in Hollywood.
The color scheme of this project was chosen not only because it is reminiscent of the golden Oscar awards, but because of the meaning behind each color. Gold, meaning of wealth and value, was selected to represent glimpses of opportunity in an otherwise bleak outlook. Films that pass The Bechdel test become beacons of hope in an otherwise male-dominated industry. Relating to ambition and power, black and purple are included as a more muted backdrop. They are symbolic of the current status quo that female professionals in the industry are up against.
