Comparison Of the Way Male & Female Characters Speak In Film

There is no doubt that cinema is one of the most popular types of entertainment these days. However, one should keep in mind that while being created in a particular social environment, it tends to represent many of its advantages and disadvantages. Speaking of the latter, one might note that speech of male and female characters in films is quite different and is often shaped by the patriarchal point of view on gender relations. This paper will compare speech of male and female characters in The Matrix, pointing out the differences and what they say about the perception of women.

To begin with, one should note that female characters in The Matrix tend to play supportive roles. That is why their speech is not as important if compared to what other male characters say. This is a common practice in the cinema and it largely reflects the patriarchy of the contemporary society (Kamir 266). For example, Trinity, the main female character, does tell Neo, the protagonist, about the Matrix, but her main goal is to arrange his meeting with Morpheus. In addition to that, Oracle who is also played by a female reveals the prophecy, but it seems that her major function was to make Neo doubt, not convey some crucial information. Therefore, it is obvious that speech of women in the film does not deliver important messages.

Another aspect that should be mentioned in particular is the nature of speech. Paraskeva insists that in the majorities of the cases women are responsible for generating emotional speech that moves other characters or the audience (56). They often express their feelings and create romantic moments. As a result, the majority of the episodes that were designed to move the audience involves women speaking. The same tendency can be found in The Matrix. There is a very intense scene in the very end when Neo balances between life and death. Nobody knows for sure whether he will survive or not. However, an emotional monolog of Trinity sheds light on Neo’s true nature, pointing out that Oracle predicted that she would fall in love with the Chosen one. This is the first time when she reveals her true feelings for Neo. So, it is not a coincidence that the most emotional scenes include a female monolog.

Finally, it is also worth pointing out that speech of women in films is generally less aggressive than that of men. Indeed, they rarely use swear words, insults or intimidation (Clover 102). All this is primarily used by men while women tend to speak in a high voice. This might be explained by the fact that females are generally seen as harmless; that is why they are portrayed as not able to be aggressive when speaking. One of the most remarkable examples of it can be found in The Matrix. In the very beginning of the movie, Trinity runs away from the agents. In the course of it, she never speaks to them as it is clear that she is no match for them. However, when Neo confronts an agent, they exchange aggressive remarks which show that it is acceptable for men to be aggressive in speech.

Having examined all the points that were mentioned in the paragraphs above, one is able to come to the following conclusion: the speech of male and female characters in films is quite different. Women often play supportive roles that is why they rarely reveal any important information. Secondly, their speech is quite emotional and the majority of the moving moments will include female characters. Finally, they are not aggressive while speaking to other characters.

Works Cited

Clover, Carol J. Men, women and chain saws: gender in the modern horror film. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton U press, 2015. Print.

Kamir, Orit. Framed women in law and film. Durham: Duke U Press, 2006. Print.

Paraskeva, Anthony. The speech-gesture complex: modernism, theatre, cinema. Edinburgh: Edinburgh U Press, 2013. Print.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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