You are here:

Story of Women

Name: Story of Women
Director: Claude Chabrol
Released: 1988
Duration: 108 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

1988

TV-14

Director

Claude Chabrol

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Claude Chabrol’s drama succeeds by placing female autonomy at the center of a wartime narrative. By focusing on Marie Latour’s pursuit of economic independence through underground abortions, the film avoids the typical cliché of women as mere victims of conflict. While the film excels in portraying women's ability to drive the story and achieve economic independence, it remains limited in its scope of identity. The representation of LGBTQ+ characters and racial diversity is minimal, adhering strictly to the demographic realities of 1940s France. Ultimately, the film is a study of social stratification and the decay of traditional institutions. It trades conventional heroism for a nuanced look at how individuals navigate survival and desire in a fractured society.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Story of Women have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on heterosexual relationships and female friendships. There is no explicit depiction of non-binary genders or same-sex intimacy.

How does Story of Women portray gender?

Excellent

The narrative centers on women's ability to drive the story and achieve economic independence. Marie Latour's decision to perform underground abortions challenges traditional wartime roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Story of Women?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white and French, reflecting the historical setting of 1940s France. The film emphasizes class distinctions over racial diversity.

How does Story of Women represent religion and culture?

Good

The film utilizes moral relativism to explore situational ethics. It critiques traditional institutions like marriage and state authority during a period of systemic collapse.

Does Story of Women include disability representation?

Fair

The husband's war injury serves as a catalyst for shifting domestic power. However, disability is used as a narrative device rather than a central identity.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on women's ability to drive the story and achieve economic independence.
Sophisticated use of moral relativism and situational ethics.
Effective subversion of traditional wartime roles.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-binary genders.
Minimal racial and ethnic diversity within the historical setting.
Disability is used as a plot device rather than a lived identity.

Official Synopsis

France, World War II. In order to somehow make ends meet, the mother of two children, Marie Latour, does underground abortions and rents a room to a familiar prostitute. She doesn't pay any attention to her husband, who returned from the war because of his injury, and lives her own life. Abortions gradually begin to bring a good income, and boredom can be easily dispelled by starting up with a young lover.

How are these scores produced? →