Bechdel-Wallace Test
- Does the movie have at least two named female characters?
- Yes, there are several, mostly from the Portokalos family. Some of the major ones include Toula, Maria, Athena, Aunt Voula, and Cousin Nikki.
- Do the female characters talk to each other on-screen?
- Yes, there are many, especially between Toula and her mother (Maria) or Aunt Voula.
- Does their conversation revolve around something other than a man?
- Yes. At one point, Toula talks to Aunt Voula about working at the family’s travel agency. There is also a group conversation between Toula, Maria, and Nikki about the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Please leave your comments below on whether you agree or disagree with my assessment.
Further Analysis
Does the movie have at least one female employed behind-the-scenes in a position of power (director, executive producer, producer, or writer)?
- Yes. Nia Vardalos wrote the screenplay, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best original Screenplay. Melissa Jo Peltier is an executive producer, and Rita Wilson is a producer.
- Are the named female characters in leading or supporting roles?
- Toula is a leading character.
- How important is the female-female conversation to the overall plot?
- Very important.
Final Verdict:
Hollywood So Male? 