I am doing my Media A2 exam: Women in film. Looking primarily at Disney's representation of lead female roles.
the films i have decided to look closely at are
Snow White (1937)
Little Mermaid (1989)
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Mulan (1998)

So far i have read people's opinions on websites, in magazine articles (Kathy Maoi) and several books by Amy Davis, Marina Walker and Douglas Brode but now i need some primary research completed to ensure i get a good grade following all the hard work ive put in hehe

I have a questionnaire i would appreciate you filling out guys any trouble answering any questions, dont hesitate to mail me and ask or post your queries. remember there ar no 'right answers'. i am lookin for your opinions and how you answer the questions. i don't think you would HAVE to have seen the forementioned films to answer the questions but if you know the context in which they are being asked, and know a brief background of the movie it may help - but please state whether you have seen the film or not when answering as it will help me in evaluating my data.

now... here are the questions

Do you like Disney films?
YES / NO



What is it you like about them? ___________________


Out of the following four films which is your favourite and why? (choose one ONLY)
'Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' (1937)
'The Little Mermaid' (1989)
'Beauty and the Beast' (1991)
'Mulan' (1998)

__________________________



What would you describe as a 'typical' characteristic of Disney heroines? (Choose one ONLY)
Strong
Beautiful
Intelligent
Sheltered
Inferior



Of the answer you chose, can you think of an example of a film in which the female roles express this characteristic? ________________


How do YOU feel female characters in Disney animation should be presented? __________



Consider Snow White's actions after leaving the castle. She found a cottage and cleaned it top to bottom. How do her actions make you feel about female leads in Disney animation? ______________________




Consider this quote from 'Mulan': "She brings home a sword. If you ask me, she should've brought home a man" Do you feel this is a positive representation of women in Disney animation? Explain your answer. ____________________



Consider 'The Little Mermaid'. Do you think Ariel was right to give up her voice for love? Explain your answer. _________________



Some critics have likened Belle from Beauty and the Beast to a "battered wife" due to her "abusive" partner? Do you feel this is an accurate interpretation? YES/ NO



In your opinion, what is the message behind the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast and why do you think this is?_____________________



In the film, Beauty and the Beast, Gastons reaction to Belle reading was "It's not right women reading. Soon they start thinking, getting ideas…" While Gaston was created to represent a shallow-minded society how do you feel
this comment reflects Disney animation as a whole? ____________________


Do you believe Belle's stigma of intelligence and love of literature was included as to reflect society's views at the time or more so Disney's views and opinions?________________________



In you opinion, how mysoginistic do you believe Disney are? _________________________



Have their representation of women changed over time? Explain your answer. ________________________




Thank you sooooo much for your help and taking the time to complete this. it
will really help me in my research. if you have any other comments personal views that ahve not been addressed in my questionnaire/criticisms of my questionnaire/praise of my questions/anything at all please feel free to include them. again, thank you

danni x

I will answer this after Ellies tonight, love Gian xxx