The concept of an ‘ideal woman’ is one which has changed over time, in many different ways. Such differences can be understood by examining how women have been portrayed positively in the media. Mary Poppins and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider are good examples of varying portrayals of women and, as these two films were made forty years apart, they serve well in demonstrating how the trends have changed.
In 1964, a film adaptation was made of the book, Mary Poppins. The story is set in 1910 and depicts a woman with subtle magical powers who arrives at a London home to take on the job of caring for the children there. Mary Poppins is portrayed through the story as “practically perfect in every way” (Mary Poppins). As a woman, she is well-dressed and modest; her outfits are always smart and appropriate for the situation. She is attractive, but in a way that was textbook of the time in which the film was set. Furthermore, Mary Poppins is kind but firm, filled with self-confidence, and totally calm and in control of every situation. Despite all of these independent qualities, however, Mary Poppins is a traditional lady. She dresses femininely and modestly at all times, and likes men to behave as gentlemen around her. She is never violent or angry, and does not exert any qualities which could be considered as masculine. As Mary Poppins was made in the early sixties, such a protagonist was very popular with viewers of the film, both young and old. Her label as “practically perfect” roused little, if no, debate.
Conversely, in 2001, the first Lara Croft film was made, following the popular computer gaming series. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider introduces a fiercely independent woman who pursues dangerous quests, while fighting dangerous beings and circumstances who get in her way (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider). Lara Croft had been a hit in the world of gaming for several years prior to the film, mainly for her sexualised good looks and fearless character. Like Mary Poppins, Lara Croft is intelligent and independent. However, there are many more differences between the two women then there are similarities. Designed in the twenty-first century, Croft wears skin tight clothing which shows a great deal of bare skin: the direct opposite of the clothing worn by the early twentieth century nanny. Lara Croft’s body figure is overtly sexual, with large breasts and toned, but slim, thighs. It is interesting how much the concept of a perfect woman has changed over the past half a century, from modest Mary Poppins to half-naked Lara Croft. Furthermore, Croft is physically strong and prone to violence. She can take care of herself in every situation, however frightening. She possesses none of the traditionally lady-like qualities of Mary Poppins.
Although the Lara Croft films have not always fared well with critics, the main character has remained a popular icon. Both men and women are drawn to her for her sexual magnetism and independence. However, it is probably safe to predict that a heroine such as Lara Croft would not have been as popular fifty years ago, just as Mary Poppins wouldn’t have such an impact on society today as she did in her day.
Examining the positive female protagonists in these two films highlights some extreme ways in which ideals have changed over the years. However, these examples are not exhaustive. The concept of an ideal woman is one that has always been fluid and can vary from one person’s opinion to another. For example, even today, there are some people who would consider an ideal woman to be one who stays at home to look after the family and to run the house, who obeys her husband and who rarely states her own opinions. However, what these two films show us is how the trend has slowly changed, in general. It is also important to remember that some people might consider different types of women to be ideal for different purposes. Moreover, as all women are individuals, perhaps there can never be a true ‘ideal woman’.
It seems that, overall, the differences between Lara Croft and Mary Poppins include the former being more overtly sexual and masculine, whereas the latter is modest, gentle and supremely feminine. These appear to be the qualities that have changed the most in a conventionally considered ideal woman.
Mary Poppins and Lara Croft are both excellent examples of strong, independent women. In both films, these character traits seems integral to both the women themselves and to the overall plot and themes. Also, these qualities are perhaps what has made both of them so iconic and popular within their respective times. However, what constituted an ideal woman fifty years ago, and what constitutes one today, have stark differences.
Works Cited
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Dir, Simon West. Perf. Angelina Jolie. Paramount Pictures, 2001.
Film.
Mary Poppins. Dir. Robert Stevenson. Perf. Julie Andrews. Walt Disney, 1964. Film.
