January 7, 2014 - So vacativ released this interesting info graphic about how many of the top 50 grossing films last year passed the Bechdel test and how well they performed at the box office. Basically films that passed did way better than films that didn't, and while I disagree with some of their assertions about various films (sorry, but I don't think Gravity gets special treatment because it has a female protagonist, it still doesn't pass. Afterall, despite how few male characters are in the film, it still manages to have two male characters discuss something other than a woman, doesn't it? I think every character except the guy with the dog has a conversation with George Clooney about his space walk record). What's even more impressive though is that the films that pass the bar easily instead of dubiously still make the most money of the group. With the films in this category alone earning more than all the "don't pass" films (though this probably shifts if Gravity, Bad Grandpa, and The Best Man Holiday are factored in, but having only seen one of the three, I only know Gravity doesn't pass. It's possible The Best Man Holiday passes, based on the trailer it certainly has two female characters but a film about relationships is still maybe only 50/50 at best. Meanwhile, I'd be surprised if Bad Grandpa passed, but I can't rule out the possibility completely without seeing it).

-D