Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Feminist and Non-Feminist Elements in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and Their Reflections in Contemporary Society

Jiaen LiThe High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Although women are less represented and objectified in the film industry, in recent years, more women entered the film industry and are bringing in narratives from the female perspective. Under this social context, The Devil Wears Prada, a film based on the novel of the same name, premiered. This paper analyzes the feminist and non-feminist themes in the film. After analysis of the script, cinematography, and story plot, this research discovers that the film reflects on feminist themes – the fashion industry as a non-patriarchal industry, less gendered use of language, and fashion as empowerment - and efficiently reveals societal expectations of women to maintain a balance between life and career. However, the film also imposes stereotypes and objectification towards women, as demonstrated in the fashion industry’s strict rules for body image and gazes from male characters to Andrea. The issues identified in this film, such as strict body image for women, still exist in contemporary society, and more research can be done to try to address this problem.

Keywords: The Devil Wears Prada; feminism; fashion industry; body image
Published: April 26, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/32/20240055
Volume: CHR Vol.32
pp. 178-182
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