The role of smoking by female actors in Chinese and French films

What is it about?

A number of recent Chinese and French films include frequent images of smoking by young female characters. Is this a conventional part of films, or is it a broader reflection of how filmmakers represent young women in these national cultures. We contend that smoking on-screen can be viewed as a sign of potential empowerment, individualism and increased risk-taking for young women in a globalizing world. Smoking has long been glamorized by filmmakers despite clear research showing that it is harmful and addictive. Its use as a prop for the femme fatale plays an important role in the film noir (and neo-noir) aesthetic.

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Why is it important?

We investigate the gendered aesthetics of on-screen ‘tobacco imagery’ as a narrative device that confirms the convention of female protagonists (including the femme fatale) as a risk taker. This may lead to a presentation of smoking as a favourable, daring activity that influences young, female audiences.

Perspectives