This thesis will construct and discuss the 1940s Hollywood experience for female actors. Throughout, multiple different approaches will be taken, covering a psychological approach as well as well as film theory. The purpose of this thesis is to create an accurate depiction of how women were portrayed and treated in the 1940s. This will be about perceptions both within and outside of film, as well as detailing the more positive aspects of feminism in the Hollywood film industry to create a wide array of points which will in turn form a more accurate depiction of feminism during this time.
The thesis explores the female experience within 1940s Hollywood, discussing aspects such as how Freud’s idea of female paranoia was reflected within the horror film, and the portrayal of women considered either ‘weak’ or ‘strong’ within the romance film. It also explores their treatment and experiences outside of film, focusing on the disappearance and change in backgrounds, and the idea of ‘the exaggerated woman’ in top stars with a focus on Joan Crawford. Finally, a focus will be on feminism and women in power and will discuss how other women managed to run aspects of Hollywood during this era. Rather than focusing on female actors, it will instead focus on more behind the scenes roles, such as producers and directors. This research will help create an accurate depiction of a female actor’s Hollywood experience, the majority being hardships, and therefore will allow me to reflect and compare said experiences to that of the protagonist, Natalie, in my screenplay, The Stuff Nightmares are Made of. As the target of this screenplay was to portray a sense of realism within it, the thesis will discuss if the female Hollywood experience is accurate to Natalie’s.
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