The Queen's Gambit - When the Genius is Female
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- čas přidán 4. 01. 2021
- We're all familiar with the loner genius trope -- but it's remarkably difficult to think of popular examples who aren't men. So The Queen's Gambit stands out for applying the characteristics of this traditionally male archetype to a female protagonist: chess prodigy Beth Harmon. In loner genius narratives like those of Sherlock Holmes or Dr. House, these brilliant individuals tend to be defined mostly by the reactions of the characters that surround them. But can we really buy that the most prominent members of a male-dominated field during the 1960s would come together to selflessly support the woman who publicly bested them? By transplanting traits of a historically male archetype onto a woman, The Queen’s Gambit reveals the limitations of the loner genius trope -- not by subverting them, but by playing into them. Here’s our Take on The Queen’s Gambit and what happens when the loner genius trope takes on a female form.
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I loved the fact that Beth never experienced sexual trauma. I kept expecting it because, of course, that’s a requirement for a female protagonist in a drama. Don’t get me wrong, I know sexual assault is all too common and horrific, but it was refreshing to see a woman experience sex on her own terms and rather an aside for a change.
Right! It was so nice.
Love that trope 🙈 as if women need sexual assault to have character development. Or even that IF they did have trauma, it's inherently sexual trauma.
Her adoptive dad did give me those intial vibes of a predator.
I agree so much. It's disturbing how frequently that is used as a cheap narrative device in female characters' lives.
yeees, i was afraid that the janitor was going to do something to her :c
It is also remarkable that "Queens Gambit" doesn't paint her as a "genius girl". She is simply *a genius*, period.
That's true, Beth is not limited by her gender, but rises above it, and proves that you can do anything, once you set your mind to it! 💪
Yes it does though? At least in the meta. She is an outlier, not just in the trope, but in the chess players within the show itself. It makes commentary about her womanhood and why she is competing against these men even though there's a separate category for women's chess. She is both a genius and a girl, because those two things are not mutually exclusive. The series makes this a point by drawing attention to it, and it's painfully obvious to us because we literally only see one other female chess player who actually plays chess (the girl who teaches her how to use the chess clock in her first tournament).
In fact, it's one of my favorite parts of the series! "Smart" women generally tend to be really masculine in media, or at least, not conventionally feminine/attractive. Legally Blonde is one of the very few movies that subvert this. Beth Harmon is strikingly feminine and actually follows fashion trends, wears make-up, styles her hair etc. She is a "genius" "girl" :>
(edit: grammar stuff)
@@angelicalivio5587 that is what I was talking about! She is a girl and a genius, not a traditional "girl genius".
💞Beautiful 💞
@@trinaq I think the most positive representation of women in media would be something that doesn't either fall into a cliche demeaning stereotype or imply that she has to be above her female status, but rather celebrates her womanhood (in a way that's not Corny or performative) but makes her genius and personality the center point.
I actually liked that Beth was portrayed as someone who didn't have to reject her feminine interests in order to be taken seriously. She might be playing a male dominated sport, but she can still care about fashion and beauty. She can still be herself and not be defined by what people expect from her. Most of the time female characters are shown rejecting femininity in such circumstances. So to me it was refreshing to see.
Thanks! I was actually thinking that too! I mean yes, no matter who you are, at some point you’re gonna look like a slob, and it’s not realistic for her to look perfect all the time. However, I think it’s awesome that she can be smart, and be gorgeous, and care about being gorgeous..
Yes, this is true. Because yes, as the other comment said it is not realistic to look perfect all the time. But in those kins of environments, the ones that are lead mostly by men, they look down on you and they judge your capacities and abilities if you look a little bit feminine. So it is a tricky thing but I liked how they portrayed her too.
the female characters might reject HIGH femininity, but not femininity altogether. there is literally no masculine female characters in media. and by masculine i do not mean a woman who only wears light makeup and maybe has a styled short hart and pants, i mean actual masculine women. femininity is required for women to be taken seriously and so... it's totally fine to like this in the movie anyway, but i wouldn't go as far as praising a male director for having a conventionally attractive feminine female character
It reminds me of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Elle is actually intelligent and strives for high achievement while she also dresses up in feminine fashion.
I think we also need to keep in the difference between so called “rejecting” femininity (however you define that) and just not being feminine. Unfortunately there are people who thing all women that aren’t feminine are somehow “rejecting” it.
Personally, I like that it doesn't focus on sexism. Is it unrealistic? Yes, but I like that I just get to watch a woman be remarkable and men support her.
Better than I ever could have said it, you are exactly right
You are totally right. Every story about a successful woman puts sexism at the forefront, and it's a story we see time and time again (and we also live). It was nice to just see a woman being successful and being supported by her peers (even if it was unrealistic).
The same is true for Schitt's Creek and homophobia - that show was praised for providing a better-than-real world.
I completly agree, although I quite like the take they seem to have a complaint with every film, it would be quite refreshing to see them just praise a film instead of always searching for the negative.
I do not agree that the show doesnt show sexism. The show shows the sexism of its world by treating her as an outstanding character just because she is a woman who is good at chess, and the men in her life do that too. There are multiple moments in the show where she is shown to be frustrated by the picture they are trying to paint of her own character. And the reason she experiences sexism that "benefits" her is preciesly because she is gorgeous. All of the people that she plays after she has gotten fame are intimidated by this same image and thats what makes Beth embrace it. Thats why she starts dressing up and why her confidence goes up and up. The world doesnt care that she is good at chess, they just care that she is a woman that is good at chess, and Beth learns to accept this and its what makes her go spiraling dow. I think this video need a Re-Take.
No, Beth isnt a Male fantasy, she's a through and through FEMALE fantasy. Women want to be her, dress like her, be respected like her, overcome like her. This is a modern fairy tale and it's perfection.
I have to agree. She also has a higher level or respect for women than men. Most female protagonist are always pinned against other women. It was refreshing to see her be more welcoming to female relationships.
She's Done Draper esq. He's basically the ultimate male fantasy in the 60s. Beth is the ultimate woman of the 60s.
Maybe the male and female fantasies aren't so different? It's like the "men want to be him, women want to be with him" cliche in reverse.
it definitely was female wishfullfillment, it was really refreshing and enjoyable
THIS is perfectly said.
I personally loved how Beth was fashionable and cared about her hair and make-up. I've noticed that in our culture when women care about what they wear and how they look, they are not seen as intelligent, let alone a genius; or they are intelligent but scheming. In male-dominant industries, beautiful women who care about their looks (in a feminine way) are looked down upon (by males and females) and oftentimes they must dress down to not hinder their career. Whereas men who do care about their looks (in a masculine way) are held on a pedestal. So, I hope this movie, alongside few non-romcom movies like Hidden Figures, can help change the narrative of women who like dressing up, and that she does not have to disregard her feminity in order to excel in a male-dominated world and be respected.
Highly agree with you!
Exactly
So true. I loved this detail in the series.
I am a woman and work as a manager in a wearhouse at night. My managers openly acknowledge I am scary smart my open expression of my femininity is another aberration on my sex. I feel very alone.
As a girl trying to fit in a male dominated field, one of the perks of quarantine/home office is that I can have elaborate and colorful nails again without coworkers making fun of me :/
At the beginning i showed up with baby pink nails and the dudes ate me alive, even the ones in positions below me. Ridiculous.
I just found it to be such a relief that there was no rape. Rape = character growth or rape = canonical trauma to be overcome is so extremely prevalent and I just loved that it didn't happen. I don't care if it's unrealistic, it was a welcome difference.
I understand that it was kind of unrealistic for her to succeed in a male-dominated field with very little push back, but I also don't believe that every female character has to go through some traumatic event in order to be great.
@@MrLogic88 True!
In the book she’s molested by Jolene
@@tatteredreader2163 jolene? Her friend??
@@choutzuyu8915 yep in the very beginning
While I agree that the world of queens Gambit is a fantasy, I see it as a impowering one. Just as so many men have been granted their fantasy of becoming the best, queens gambit gives women that impowerment fantasy in a world where can become the best in a male dominated field without constant reminder that life is never so simple in the real world.
@@smartass0124 Could you use better grammar, I have no idea what you're trying to say.
Indeed, to the point that the series has created a boom of chess all over the world, particularly on female players
I feel like if TQG had constant "You can't, you're A WOMAN!!!" The Take would have found it bad because it would've been too much like the standard "sexism bad" story rather than a story about a woman who is a genius. You can't exactly win when you're going to get flack either way. I personally like it better to show a positive side to the sportsmanship so it encourages more women to get interested in chess.
@@Nightman221k I guess that relates to what they said about how it's such a rare thing to see a female version of this trope. If there were more examples we could have both and no one thing would have to live up to these competing standards.
@@Nightman221k I think the biggest issue isn't a specific criticism, but to ask any fiction to be what it doesn't want to be, instead of finding what it is, and how and why fails or succeed at it. Like, there are worderful shows that treats with sexism(the 1st season of mad men does it in a brutal fashion for example), but others shouldn't need to do so of they don't want to
If the criticisms in this take had been included in the show it would not have been the hit it is. I think it was refreshing to watch a female character not having to be weighed down by the sexism and abuse, yes it may sadly be fantasy but it made for a unique and fun watch. A more predictable version would have her abused by the janitor, abused by her chess opponents and by her adopted father. There are plenty of realistic depictions in film about women oppressed in male environments and for once this ‘fantasy’ version was more than welcomed. The rise in women interested in chess and buying chess sets after this show is nothing but positive too!
I like how the show portrays men because it could lead to equal treatment being normalized. I also think that portraying every man as sexist is limiting to males as well
Agreed! Though it’d be much more accurate for her to face sexism left and right, it felt amazing not having to watch yet *another* series/film do the “but you can’t do X, you’re a WOMAN” trope every 5 minutes.
@@andyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy I just hate that the world makes toxic behavior normal
You're absolutely right. A lot of films and TV series take liberties in order to tell a compelling narrative and the Queen's Gambit excells in that
Yes! This wouldn't have happened if the Queens Gambit had made it that way!
Anya Taylor-Joy crushed this role, I already want to rewatch it
Seconded, she portrayed Beth so wonderfully, and I've already watched it twice, a third time is definitely on the cards! 😎
I've already rewatched it...
Her acting has always been phenomenal and I love that this series is finally giving her the attention and praise that she deserves
@burningthemidnightoil truth!!
I'm trying to hold myself off 🤣
Beth’s breakdown is realistic though. I’ve seen plenty of women being at rock bottom, binge drinking etc while literally putting their make up on
Right! I had a few mental break down and usually at some point. I put makeup on or try look normal since it frown upon to have break downs. So I found it realistic.
When I drink too much I either dye or bleach my hair, often with disastrous results.
Very true! Sadly there are people who still think that depression and breaking down should only look one thing. I think i read it in a comments section of a queens gambit video, and people were bashing her for her "unrealistic" portrayal of a spiral
Not while they are home alone by themselves
@@OpheliaNL Weirdly every time I drink alone, I end up in eyeliner by the end of the night. Maybe that's just me
Idk man her aesthetic appeals to the female gaze too imo
Yeah, not the curvy and oversexualized by the side of a man type of woman but genuinely attractive and mysterious
Yup, also in her fashion journey you see her desire to have nice clothes after observing her female highschool peers, as opposed to a male telling her that she'd look better with makeup/dresses, which often happens in media. She's not doing it for men, she's doing it for herself after earning her own money and having female beauty role models (Alma, women on tv, etc).
Definitely, she’s ideal in the same way scarlet Johansson is
I also think it important to note that aside from pleasing themselves, women generally tend to dress up to impress other women more than they do to impress men, probably because women are more discerning.
My non-binary ass wanted to wear her clothes and kiss her as well.
She’s not “anti-social.” Beth is “asocial.” There’s a big difference. She has empathy and cares about those around her. She isn’t violent or sadistic either. She is a loner.
Anti-sociality means showing characteristics of psychopathy/sociopathy
Exactly! I hate when they mix that up - those are very different terms.
Good point thank you!! I actually didn't really understand the difference so thank you for this comment!! Now i can tell my family when they call me anti social lol
@@alim.9801 bet. Glad to help😂
True. She just has things she cares about far more than people.
about her looks, I agree that male authors have a twisted vision about women in rock bottom, but I think in this show specifically that doesn’t apply. Beth is shown to care for style and her looks, she knows she's beautiful, and to be honest I can say that I have felt like shit and done my make up in effort to feel better, it's not an unrealistic concept.
Same, when I've been in the absolute bogs of depression, wearing makeup and more stylish outfits acted as a means of self care and distraction
@@basicradical3581 exactly! thank you two so so much for this point
I find when I feel like crap I spend more time and effort on my appearance, specifically so no one will know how bad I’m doing.
What do you mean "Twisted" ? The writers can be wrong on that part but calling it twisted is wierd and quite an exaggeration .
I feel the same. In my darkest moments, I've also had many times where I put on a dress and look pretty despite. It wasn't unrealistic. Besides it was just a simple dress and a cardigan, do all women have to wear sweatpants to grieve? What this whole debate about male gaze really does is alienates women from liking their own attractiveness.
It is a fantasy but I thought it was refreshing to see a woman not having to overcome sexism. It gets tiring to see depictions of how men hate women over and over again.
she had to overcome though she was a woman in 60s
Exactly
I feel like the ladies of The Take miss the point entirely on why this show is like this. It's meant to BE a fantasy, like how 80s action movies were for guys, or modern day superheroes for that matter. Not every show has to be Fleabag, The Handmaids Tale or I May Destroy You. I'm pretty sure there are women that are tired of seeing stories that just basically boil down to "Patriarchy bad!" I'm pretty sure that there are women out there crying out for more escapist shows like this. Now that I think about it, I want to see more female-centric shows that aren't about abuse and are just awesome to watch.
I love the aspirational tone of how Beth's talent is recognized rather than ripped on specifically due to her gender.
Yeah exactly it’s unrealistic but it’s a fantasy. She’s not lauded as a female genius she’s lauded as a genius period.
I agree. I actually remember when she encountered first sexists moment and that was easily overcome I felt tremendous relief that the story is NOT about sexism. We've seen that a thousand times, there are other than sexism stories of women experience that are worth exploring.
@Kasey Williams Very true. Beth in the novel wasn't as feminine as in the series, nor as pretty and she didn't have red hair either. The way the director and actress tried to paint it was that Beth is being ''unapologetically feminine'', while it's just the same shit as always, only put in a pseudo-feminist jacket. They kept mentioning how ''baffled'' she was by gender expectations and didn't let it affect her, while also making her extremely feminine and poised to the point that it looked like she was always posing when sitting or leaning against something, even her walk in the later episodes felt very animated. Her first wish to become feminine was also because she wanted to fit in, because she knew it what was expected. She didn't defy anything in that regard. Her playing chess in a male dominated world might have made her ahead of her time, but in other areas of her life there wasn't much proof of that. Someone who's supposed to be THAT smart, aware of societal expectations and gender-norms, she sure followed them to a tee when it came to her looks.
I don't understand what their problem is with a female protagonist that is shown respect for her ability. Maybe it is portrayed as an idealistic view---so what? Maybe tv shows shouldn't just be disasters for women. If they're so into feminism, isn't it good that there is a depiction of a female who is responded to with respect? Isn't that response to female genius more necessary for people to see and maybe emulate?
Films being realistic: "further enforces the narrative that..."
Films being idealistic: "does not portray the reality"
I mean..damn if you don't and damn if you do. I for one like this show very much. Sure, it's unrealistic - but at least when young boys watch this show they'll learn that it is okay if a woman is better than you, and that you should behave nicely even if that's the case. I'd prefer this any time over all the films that teach children that it's normal to yell, berate, be violent to women if they're better than you.
100% agree! They also complained about Beth being “conventionally pretty” but if she hadn’t been conventionally pretty then they would have been playing into the trope that intelligent women are inherently unattractive.
In so much media we see the pretty bimbo put up against the intelligent but not conventionally attractive woman, as if you have to trade in your brain to be pretty... the intelligent woman is also usually portrayed as inherently un-feminine, as if wearing form fitting clothing or wearing makeup somehow makes you less intelligent.. again, playing into the concept that only the MASCULINE can be intelligent.
The second they put an attractive feminine genius on the screen, they refuse to see it as empowerment of the feminine. No it has to be “the male gaze”
Yes, yes, yes. You're fucking right! My God, what the hell do they want?
i agree 100%
@@javier9163 They want to complain. Individuals who lack the ability to build anything tend to tear down the things talented people have built or will build due to unconscious jealousy. For example, It's said music critics are wannabe musicians who lacked the talent to play an instrument; same for film critics and films, literary critics and books, etc. That's not my opinion, by the way: it was proposed by a woman named Julia Cameron in her excellent book "The Artist's Way".
@@ellap73 girl, chill on here. It’s ok to critique things that you like lol
Imagine how many girls are going to be inspired by this show and start playing chess
For the fun of it I went to look at chess boards and one website states they were all out due to the Queen's Gambit...I like to think all of those purchases were made by women.
Hopefully they don't give up on it like they did with archery after THE HUNGER GAMES got big.
@@jaredjones1752 I feel like the biggest difference between archery and chess is that chess is way more accessible. You don’t even need to buy a chess board. Is easier for people with disabilities, for people of different socioeconomic positions, children and elderly (safer).
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
The surge in chess playing since this show aired has been unprecedented
I viewed the absence of sexism in this show like I did the absence of homophobia in Schitt’s Creek - a fantasy; how the world should be.
Exactly! Well said so refreshing to not have to prepare yourself for so much negativity and just relax
Honestly it's the best of both worlds, you get to see yourself and not see the horrible reality at the same time. You get to just enjoy it
It also teaches people on how to tackle does subjects correctly, I havent watched Schitt's Creek, but I will put Brooklynn 99 as an example, like when a character came out as bi nobody made a big deal out of it, in fact they congratulated them for being true to themselves and supported it and that did not change how they treated each other from now on, except when trying to find them partners, now having to consider both genders, but overall it was a good reaction and everyone should learn from that so that that ''fantasy world'' that everyone is talking about comes to life
Same, i see this show like a utopia, is nice to see something different
yeah! sometimes it's just nice to indulge in an escapist fantasy without some form of oppression
Me, a gay woman: Do you love her or do you wanna be like her?
Both.
Both. Definitely both.
Me, a bi woman: Do you love her or do you wanna be like her?
Guess I'm gay.
women love her, women wanna be her
Yes, it's not realistic how she looked during "her rock bottom" and yes it's not realistic that she's always put together but I think this is a narrow view of how she uses her style to express herself. She had to wear the same clothes for a huge part of her formative years, and one of the first things she buys is a dress, in a way she explores her sense of self through her style. Plus, she dresses very feminine and it's even criticized for it during an interview, so her style is a statement that sets her apart from her colleagues. I felt she was unapologetically feminine and I loved her for it. So to say it was for "the male gaze" is a very poor interpretation.
For a male gaze, not a male aesthetic. As in she was always good to look at to remain attractive to men.
@@ElaBlu3 They certainly glamorized her drinking binge, but her clothes, her makeup, and her image as a character represented so much more.
@Terry Ghast Oh okay. Thanks!
Beth did everything she did for the sake of herself and not for the men in her life. She was just unapologetically true to herself and what she wanted and the men flocked to her because of that.
Did they ever comment on her style and expression? They only commented on how unrealistic it was. You seem to be seeing a critique where there wasn't one.
I really adore how many of Beth's costumes are reminiscent of chess pieces, as they are black or white, or have checkered patterns. Plus, she's clad in all white at the end, proving herself to be a true queen! 👑💖
I love the fact that they also reused clothes, it gives realism to the character and the series
Also she was dressed as the pill during her hungover match and throughout the series you can see checkered patterned in all her clothing.
Ooo I didn't catch that! Thanks for pointing it out!
@Trina Q What's with you always ending your comments with emojis?
She started out as a white pawn after the accident, and became her own queen!!
"Queen's Gambit" was DEFINITELY one of the best new shows of 2020. It had stellar acting, writing, visuals, costumes and direction, and despite only having seven episodes, tells a story so enthralling that there's no need for another series. Anya Taylor Joy is a star on the rise! 🌟😍
I actually think another season would ruin it. I feel like her story Is truly finished and there’s nowhere else for her to go story wise
@@tessiegesch8677 Queens Gambit II: Castling
(sorry)
the fact that the show still on the netflix top 10 list until now really shows just how well-made and wonderful it is
Don't forget music! I love the queens gambit theme!
Netflix is going to throw tons of money at this for a second season. I think they should go the Fargo route and just have a completely new storyline every season. There's really nowhere to go on from here forward for her character.
I used to love The Take. But lately I've been starting to notice a trend with their female character analysis videos. They have this very particular idea about how a female character should be written. And any character, no matter how well-written or praised, if it doesn't fit their idea of how a women should be, according to them it's crap. For example in one of their earlier videos, they tore down wonder woman for being too perfect despite the fact that she has her fair share of flaws. And now Beth Hermon.
Because according to them, any female character that is overly strong cannot be beautiful and feminine. Any female character that's overly intelligent cannot be glamorous and fashionable.
As a woman working in STEM field, I've had the opportunity to meet plenty of gifted women. And I can say with confidence that Beth is a pretty accurate depiction of a genius women. In fact, the notion that intelligent women aren't beautiful and don't care about their appearance is severely outdated and very, very far from reality.
And honestly, the scene where Beth's ex boyfriends all came together to help Beth was not that far off from reality either, because I've seen men put aside their personal fights to help their women colleagues and classmates succeed more times than I can count. Because most mature adults know when to put their personal battles aside and show a little professionalism when it comes to taking down an opponent from a rival country/school.
I think the ladies of The Take should meet some women from a wide spectrum of jobs and backgrounds before they start to dismiss any female character that deviates from their narrow view of how a women should be as unrealistic and bullcrap.
You and me both. I used to never miss a video (except for those with spoilers or series I haven't watched or care for), but now I'm basically skipping most of their trope videos which seem conditioned by sexism instead of inspired by equality...
Ditto to all these comments. As a female, I guess I've been lucky to work in a male dominated industries yet received nothing but support and respect.
Yes, Amen to this comment
Exactly
Love this comment
The "loner genius" character trope deserves it's own video analysis.
They already have and referenced it in this video.
@@Chris-rg6nm Believe that was more focused on characters with antisocial personality disorder.
@@1MegArbo Ok, I will look for it
The loner genius trope will just be a video about those white male dudes we're so tired of seeing in tv and films. No need for that
A trope I noticed recently is "they may never walk again." I feel like this could use some attention.
So, basically the first episode of Never Have I Ever?
@@gamehero6816 I forgot that show had any element of that.
The trope is ubiquitous. I saw it repeated last week on a couple shows dating from the 70s to the Netflix era. I'm sure it existed before then.
It’s also in Cobra Kai season 3 with Miguel after he fell from the second floor and smash his back on the stair railing. I think he recover after 3 episodes and by the last one, could do karate kicks like a pro again.
@@bloomoon2623 I was hoping not to spoil that, but yes.
It's a very common trope in telenovelas. The last I remember seeing it was when Juliette survived the plane crush on Nashville.
21:04 Genius refers to intelligence. Compassion and empathy are good, female qualities - but that's not what makes a genius. Beth doesn't "act like a man" when she is aloof, cold and rational. There are women who are like that. That's what makes Beth Hermon such a good character - she's a genius who just happens to be female. Not a male template, a "genius" template. I find it kind of strange to insinuate that there's a special kind of "female" genius that is softer and more wholesome. That's borderline sexist.
I kinda agree with the Take on this one. Often when women/girls are portrayed as geniuses, or badass superheroes, they are given a lot of *stereotypical* male traits.They aren't allowed to be affectionate, talkative, or have the usual feminine interests. Which is why a film like Legally Blonde is so powerful. Also there was a scene where a young Beth is given a doll and she quickly drops it in the trash. As if to signify that she doesn't care for girlie things, or worse...that they are somehow beneath her. Then there's the scene with the girls from school, where it is made clear that Beth is *not like the other girls* singing along to pop songs from TV. Even though she later sings and dances around to Fever- a pretty popular song.
@@odb339 I have to agree with OP on this one. Beth is very interested in her appearance and fashion and is shown to be bothered by the fact that she doesn't fit with her fellow female classmates when it comes to clothing. She buys a dress with the first tournament prize money and fashion and aesthetics are perceived to be very feminine interests. There is no such thing as a female genius template that is softer and highlights more feminine traits because that just plays into stereotypical nonsense. Beth is an aloof character because that is what her environment shaped her to be. Her mother instilled in her that the strongest person is the one who can be alone and she grew up in an orphanage with really only one friend. She is shown to be distant from the first time we are introduced to her when she is still unaware of her talent.
@@odb339 In defense of the "not like other girls" part, Beth at that time was a teenager who just got out of the orphanage. After getting out of said orphanage she immediately began playing chess and most likely spent her time playing on her newly bought chessboard. She had only done a few, close competitions at that point. She just wasn't as exposed to mainstream media as other teenagers were. However, later on, she's traveled the world and is an established chess player, so she's probably practicing less and doing fun things more. It'd be more likely for her to know popular songs at that point. Also, Beth is clearly into traditionally female things. The first thing she actually buys with her chess money (aside from a chessboard) is a dress. Beth also says that one of the reasons she likes France is how the women act and dress, their feminine but also smart.
@@ailema.4548 Also, the girls who invited her to their get together had been previously quite mean to her, they only invited her because of the attention she was getting and probably just wanted to latch onto that attention
Secondly, other than her style, we're shown Beth wanted or was at least interested in romantic relationships like her female counterparts. She stares at a couple making out outside of the orphanage, she watches one of the mean girls get freaky in the library. I agree her more cold persona is from her environment more than an imitation of male traits, defensive coping mechanisms against trauma are genderless.
Exactly! Thankyou! She is clearly coded neurodivergent, not all women are soft social beings, there are plenty of us who relate to Beth on many levels
that moment you realise The Queen's Gambit have toned down real sexism in the male dominated world of chess by a thousand times xD
Probably. But they also didn’t really show her being a genius outside of playing chess either or loner outside of being a bit awkward. Tv kind of dictated that she needs to have mentors and date people so all those aspects were not as clear as they could have.
It's that or we won't get a show at all for how messed up that time period was =v=
I somewhat like that they did that though? They didn't constantly throw it in our faces that, "hey Beth is a woman in a male dominated world. She's playing chess with men and only men. By the way, did you know that she's a girl with a genius brain?" I like that it wasn't a big deal that she was competing against mostly men. And that the men playing with her were very content with it, too.
Currently reading the book, I’ll tell u if it is different
@chave I agree. Nothing wrong with having a feminist show but I like that the way it’s portrayed in this is very subtle
“Women don’t need a Beth Harmon to inspire them.”
Speak for yourself. I love this channel but I’m going to respectfully disagree. I love Beth and her determination and drive and it’s absolutely refreshing to see a character like her fit in with the likes of Sherlock and House.
I enjoy the lack of sexism in the show for the same reason I enjoy the lack of homophobia in Schitt’s Creek. Sexism in day to day life is exhausting. Here it doesn’t exist and I honestly wish that could apply to the real world. By making it a norm of just having things between men and women be a matter of who is better rather than their gender or bias or anything else. It’s the world I honestly wish we could live in and the Queen’s Gambit makes me really yearn for that world where women don’t have to afraid of being sexually harassed or taunted or even having male competitors be as supportive as Beth’s friends were. It exists for the same reason Schitt’s Creek doesn’t have its residents be homophobic. Because having people exist in that kind of mutual understanding and respect is the world we want.
Like I'm a straight dude and I wanna be more like Beth. Her raw genius and focus is admirable
Actually shows that depict a world where sexism, homophobia, racism, etc. dont exist are just as helpful as shows that actually depict them because they actually teach the audience on how it should be done, how to treat people who are different than them in a proper manner, like how in the show the men doubt beth at the start for being a women but then take it back and come to respect her and help her all because she just happened to be a genius and not because she is a poor oppressed woman who should be pitied. They treated her like a fellow chess player and no more.
There is also like in Brooklynn 99, the cast is varied and they do not show any prejudice regarding the race or sexuality of the characters and tackle those subjects pretty fine with respect and that they are no different from any other person as everyone should do. Like when a character came out as bi, the main cast did not make it sound like such a negative thing or a big deal that will affect the world, in fact they supported them and congratulated them for being true to themselves and as I said a lot of people can learn from that
Also English is not my first language so excuse me if I used the wrong wording in some places
@@amelif5286 your English is excellent and I totally agree. Its great when movies show us HOW to treat normally marginalized characters. Anime such as Akame Ga Kill had a gay character and although the main character was initially weirded out he saw him as a bro and [spoilers!] cried when .. you know..he died. And yes he was one of the strongest manliest characters. Chivalry of a Failed Knight had a transgendered character who was one of the sweetest intuitive characters. Who was treated just like any other friend. Queens Gambit shows an obsessed genius chess player battling addictions. She just happens to be female. She's more than her gender. She's a strong willed chess player who has to learn she doesn't have to be alone and she doesn't have to be stuck with addictions
I know sexism is a thing but sometimes as a girl when I hear people I feel like I'm the only one who has never beeen raped or abused in some ways.
I mean, descent people do exist too. Lonely janitors aren't all child molestor and you can go to a party without being raped.
And sometimes even ex boyfriends can be nice.
Maybe my life was an utopia and I didn't knew it.
Precisely
I actually have to disagree here. Personally, as someone who loves analysing media through a feminist lens, I actually liked how the message was more subtle. And with Beth always looking good, I think it was more meant to add to the aesthetic of the show/add to the fantasy. Not just men like looking at pretty things, pretty women and pretty people. Its a human thing and also a wlw thing. It wasn´t just her who looked like that either, it was almost everyone around her. And I think it added to her character. To me it was a very empowering fantasy.
And also, for one some men can write female characters exceptionally well, just as some women write female characters terribly. Secondly, I think they did show her encountering sexism. I think a lot of it was through her perspective. She probably didnt notice a lot of backlash because to her. She truly came from a mindset where gender was irrelevant because she never really shaped her mind around it since she thinks independently. And maybe sometimes it is possible that men she has "cast aside" eventually turn around to helping her, because they are all taken back by her talent and they eventually care more about the game and her winning it than whatever judgement or bitterness could have held them back. But thats just speculation. Idk, normally im a fan of the take's content but now not so much.
Honestly, though I get the point of highlighting sexist standards to make others feel validated in their experience, some of us are actually lucky enough to view ourselves beyond those limitations. Same with race identity for me too - I know how I may be seen but I don't really care, I was raised to believe I could be or do anything. So ironically, constantly reiterating these standards almost reinforce them, almost to a point of unintential victimisation
@@basicradical3581 exactly. As a woman television constantly reminding me about sexism abuse and rape makes me feel my life has been kind of a fantasy because I've never been raped and I have been mostly surrounded by kind people.
So I kinda like when characters in fiction are nice too sometimes. Because I know that nice person do exist.
I completely agree with you. For me, watching her is like a catharsis. That must mean her portrayal works as a female fantasy, I guess. And yes, I am queer and I think she is attractive and I like looking at attractive people, who am I to deny that hahsaahash
@@basicradical3581 I understand what you mean. Its a tricky line to walk and were doing it with lots of falling and standing up, but thats what being human is i guess
Last time I was this early it was still legal to give orphans tranquilizers.
Poor Beth...
That part blew my mind in the show
@@thatonedog819 I know right? Imagine having a pill addiction and going through withdrawal at 9 years old.
Acting like a man? Didn’t realize those qualities were reserved for men.
Yeah, large parts of this video didn't ring true to me, but that part I think is flat-out wrong. The idea of needing a "female genius" archetype who's supernaturally good at stereotypically feminine things like uplifting other people or multitasking feels, honestly, more sexist and belittling than anything in the show itself. Taking stereotypically feminine traits and showing them as powerful is important, sure, but so is allowing female characters to have unapologetically "masculine" traits. Having a female genius loner who's written in many ways almost exactly as a male one would be is an important thing. The absolute last thing feminist storytelling should be about is pushing female characters into little feminine boxes.
@@Luanna801 honestly besides that's such a ridiculous idea to me like what would that even mean? supernaturally good at taking care of others and multitasking? so like... super house wife? well i'd Not relate
it’s definitely escapist in the sense of, “while sexism exists, you can overcome any sexist hurdles if you are Smart/Talented/Determined enough”
which is just. not true, but we have enough stories of REAL LIFE telling that story i want Smart Girl Win Chess❤️
I think chess works for the story because it's a simple case where you win or you lose. Say Beth was a great writer, anyone could just say "these books are shit" without reading them. But she's a great chess player, and she proves that by winning matches. You can't really argue against that, chess uses set ranking systems. There are still hurdles, but it's ultimately pretty meritocratic.
I LOVED that she was still feminine and interested in fashion and makeup and relationships (not more than chess tho). It was really refreshing to see and very validating as a hyperfeminine former chess club member
I love that too! I'm interested in horror movies and science fiction while I like to draw clothes/fashion. Nothing wrong with femininity. They did a video on the girly girl trope
"Women don't really need a Beth Harmon to inspire them."
Nonsense.
I agree.
I'm all for the appreciation of "feminine qualities" but feminine characters whith some "masculine qualities" shouldn't necessarely be dismissed.
"...there has been no woman chess champions"
*Judit Polgar would like to know your location*
When I first heard about this show I assumed it would be about her. Fascinating story.
She was a grandmaster but not a world champion.
@Easter Worshipper ya she retired a few years ago.
I enjoy this channel, but I feel like they get so clouded by the standard "feminist" oppinion they lose sight on a lot. Them focusing on the creators being male and assuming that this is the only reason the character "transforms" as they get older is belittling and demeaning. It sends the message that women only choose fashion for the sake of the "male gaze." Which makes no sense in this show because the character puts zero importance on the "male gaze" of the other men in the show. If the creators were women, we'd say this was a refreshing take on the genius female not having to choose between fashion or brains. Showing that women can be complex and not just fit in the category of smart or pretty.. But because a man directed it the message can't be the same? Make it make sense.
This!
They provided examples as to how she appealed to the male gaze. What do you find wrong with those examples?
If it was directed by women arguably things would be different.
@@downsjmmyjones101 their examples are weak. So what if men find her attractive. That was never the focus of the show and Beth barely gave it a thought. For God sake she was practically bored during her first sexual encounter and pat the guy on the shoulder in the most patronizing way. Are all feminists suppose to be unattractive women who hate men? Cause I can't think of any other excuse for why an attractive woman stops being seen as a feminist because men find her attractive.
Exactly
The best female chess player is Judit Polgar, even in men' field and rankings. Surprisingly, not mentioned her name, maybe because she is not an american and your channel focusing mostly american life and people( and this is okay). She is the number 1 female chess player and number 8 ( 2005) on other rankings. Her sisters also chess players, not as good as her, but they also great players.
As a Hungarian, I am honored the best female chess player is a Hungarian.
I take the film and the book, an honor to her life, even I know, probably non of the filmmakers and nor the writer know her.
...I was about to comment this.
I mean Susan Polgar's track record was already impressive to me, but when I checked Judit's, it really blew my mind :O :O :O
One of her sisters was name the "the sack of Rome" and she remarked she was not as hard working as Judit and other sister
...I came to know about polgar sisters because of their fathers experiment about "can genius be nurtured" and since then I have been obsessed with Judit😂😂 she used to be gorgeous in her young days too
@@priyabharati5865 yes, and this happened those times when home school not so popular( at least not in country). I saw a in the a TV report about the family and the way sisters' children( I don't remember who's children) play chess is some next level.
@@priyabharati5865 Einstein said: " every children born to be a genius, but society ruins them''- maybe this is not the word to word quote, but my point is to be a genius is in every child, in every of us.
@@bloggerblogg5878 yeah true....every child can be a genius provided he/ she is given right nurturing and environment and practices hard....in fact Judit is said to be the hardest working of all three of them
The video is great it's just that the part about sexism got me wondering. Even though it exists in real world I did adore this show allowing us to enjoy a fantasy of a world with very little to none sexual harassment, sexism or anything similar to that. It is a fantasy work but it is very well written. I doubt I would've spent as good of a time if Beth were to been groped, roofied or worst.
And the part about calling her a product of a male gaze I also have to disagree. As a straight women I "gazed" up on her completely. The beauty, the fashion, cadence, makeup and such felt very catered to female audience as well . I would've agreed with you on that one if it were to be very sexual to the point of distaste - but Beth was a very classy looking and fashionable character, a delight.
Beth's wardrobe choices were made more to show off a style of fashion that's timelessly stylish and a bit elegant. She looks lovely in the costumes, but I feel like it's a style choice made to make the character stand out but not to sexualize her in a "male gaze" objectification way. I'm gay and I usually can tell when a costume is designed to sex up a character or to make the actress objectified and I did not get that impression in TQG.
Maybe she is the product of both? I absolutely adored everything, but they didn't put an average-ugly woman in the role, they put a special looking surely, and attractive looking undoubtly.
Don't get me wrong Beth is definitely gorgeous but I thought the whole point of her fashion was her making a statement. After all she was an orphan used to wearing the same drab clothes over and over and getting teased by other girls and even her adoptive parents commented on it. Now she has money and is flexing on these fools. Its like a rapper with gold chains and expensive clothes. Its not for the other gender, it's to show the world you made it
I feel like a lot of media now wants it to be where every female-focused show is as groundbreaking as Fleabag, The Handmaidens Tale, Orange Is The New Black, and Grand Army. It's as if women aren't entitled to escapism whereas men have a huge variety of it. I don't want to turn on my TV and every show I put on with a female protagonist immediately have her be abused, ignored, and doubted.
is it even male gaze if it's not objectifying her and it's just about her always appearing attractive? like that's what's unrealistic about nearly every movie and show. actors tend to be conventionally attractive and fit. unless i'm wrong the male gaze is about the literal camera being used in a way that sexualizes and objectifies the female character which i've never seen in this show. we don't even see her actually having sex and barely see her making out with anyone at all from what i remember
Fun fact: the actress that plays Beth doesn’t see herself as beautiful, you can find her talking about it in interviews.
The casting director should have a medal for this, perfect casting and perfect actress
@@tripping8835 According to wikipedia "At age 16, she was scouted as a model while walking outside Harrods Department Store by Sarah Doukas of Storm Management."
Big eyes, tiny nose, plump lips, oval shaped face, pale skin, thin body, very feminine... she looks like a doll ;-)
I would say that Octavia Spencer or Tilda Swinton are not typically attractive actresses IMO.
Her beauty is off the charts. I can’t believe she can’t see it
Apparently, she was bullied as a child about her eyes so she doesn't see herself that way. There's an interview about her how when she was a teen a facebook post tagged her having fish eyes that she doesn't look much into mirrors due to it. In Peaky Blinders, she was playing a hated character and some "fans" mocked her appearance in the internet.
Bullying really damages a person's self-esteem.
Looking at the forums with a huge number of Dudebros and Neckbeards calling her “Sid the Sloth” and other names belies the notion that she upholds some universal ideal of conventional, feminine beauty.
I actually found these mens' reactions to a beautiful, young woman, who is the best in their niche, quite realistic. Men will always go out of their way for someone beautiful and interesting. What I didn't find realistic was how easily she got over her lifelong addiction.
Right!
Men will only go out of their way IF they think they can get something from her!! We hear stories of women being pushed out by jealous or scorned men in every single industry! I like the story but it is 100% fantasy, especially for that era..
@@exxology1 When I was young I had friendships with a few emotionally supportive men. Maybe they wished for something more, but I made by boundaries clear. They were still helpful even though they weren't getting anything (except mutual emotional support and a few home cooked meals).
Agree, especially with the addiction.
No they don't.. Especially when she beats them at 'their' games... If she's more than a trophy to their image, ... No dice on the everybody help her idea
"It's Chess. We're All Primadonnas."
One of my favourite lines, and my favourite show of the disaster year that was 2020! ♟️😍
It's even worse in Go and nobody in the west plays Go.
Its the yang to the "Roger there's only room for one hysterical queen" 😂
The fact that she's supported by the men around her is refreshing and the collaboration is amazing
I disagree that it's completely unrealistic that the men in the show wanted to help her. I think it's problematic for us to continue to believe that ALL men are sexist and misogynistic and wouldn't genuinely help a woman for completely selfless reasons.
Couldn't agree more
I think the critique isnt that all men are misogynistic or can’t be happy when a woman succeeds but USUALLY when women enter these male dominated spaces and excel or even surpass their counterparts they are met with a lot of opposition and skepticism and not an overwhelming outpour of solidarity. Nonetheless I believe that the show is excellent and I think it was better without this element.
I think the problem is that ALL men around her learn to respect her or help her eventually. In reality, you will find good men that are willing to support you or help you without expecting anything in return, but it's also very common that many man are going to underestimate you or even sabotage you just because you are a woman. I have experienced both sides, it still happens now, I can imagine that back in the 60's things were worse.
I agree, also wouldn't they help her because they were proud that a fellow American had the chance to win against the best player in the world, no matter if this American was a man or a woman?
yeah i thought it was fucked up that they were like "of course it is impossible for men to not be angry and vindictive to any woman ever who beats them in anything, WHEres THE REALisM"
The Take: Beth’s appearance didn’t reflect her inner struggles well enough.
Beth’s eyeliner: 🐼
Frr, even though I liked it, I thought it was a little off-putting
I adored to see a show that didn’t deal with a lot of sexism. When all the men of her life reunite to support her, that was my favorite part of the whole show. They didn’t want anything from her, they were her friends and wanted to see her succeed. It meant the world to me.
I hope that this example of wholesome masculinity inspires more men to be decent human beings.
To me the show is a step into the right direction!
So you're implying that most men are NOT decent human beings.....And why should we be taking moral advice from a sexist?
life is not a candy just because masculinity is not wholesome as in a series
@@TraceVandal lmao. Ok then ☺️
That was my favorite part too. Having supportive friends is always a good thing. Also I completely understood what you meant by "inspiring more men to be decent", meaning decent men ALREADY exist. No need to take this lovely comment as an insult, unless you are not a decent man.🤷♀️
@@Steph_437 exactly! Obviously decent men exist. It’s the not so decent ones that will be triggered by a silly sentence. 🤷🏻♀️
I don’t like the assessment “act like a man” when it’s “act like a man has always been excused for.” Beth rings true as a female character, simply one who is emotionally independent and confident. Those are not inherently masculine traits.
If there are a set of attributes distributed between men and women, and that is awesome and strong is associated with being a man, fine. Let Beth "act like a man" until general culture decides that both genders can own being fantastic without scrutiny
I dream of character roles like Beth’s for Black women someday.
YES YES YES
What about hidden figures? It's about smart intelligent black women also why can't it just be about women and not race for once 🙄
@@ruthalexander3140 please shut up. Black women deserve roles that aren’t just about historical figures and they have been gaslit enough. You and me have the privilege to ignore the problem of racial representation in media because we have always been represented. A study reported that black Americans have 12.5 percent of roles in movies. This is an issue and if you would look past your ignorance for one second you could see that.
There are real people such as Rochelle Ballantyne and Jessica Hyatt.
@@elleyeah746 sing it sis 👏👏👏
I love the non-toxic male examples in this series. I know it's not realistic but it's aspirational and people need to see it to be it.
At the end of the day, people will always find something to complain about. Had the show portrayed men as angry and jealous by Beth's success, then The Take would've been: Queen's Gambit perpetuates gender roles and pits women against men.
Sometimes it's okay to enjoy a show for what it is, instead of picking on it for everything you wished it was.
I don’t understand why the fact that she dresses well and has a consistent aesthetic is regarded as appealing to the male gaze? Like yes it does to a certain extent accomplish that but I see it as more of a femininity thing. I mean we are used to seeing women who are supposed to be brilliant or good at something be shown as non-conforming and disinterested in their appearances, but personally I think that the fact that Beth enjoys being fashionable and does keep up an aesthetic make her more human. Women who enjoy fashion and beauty are often seen as ditzy or placed in “dumb pretty girl” stereotypes, it was refreshing to see a woman enjoying stereotypically feminine things - not rejecting her femininity or her love for fashion - whilst also being the best in her field and being intelligent and respected by her peers. It was a very subversive exploration of that particular aspect of feminism. The show effectively demonstrated that the idea of having either beauty or brains is not only sexist and silly as it places women in boxes and restricts them but also showed that a woman could maintain an alluring outward appearance whilst still possessing great skill and achieving success. They didn’t portray this as unusual, and it actually made her more human since her skill often detached her from her surroundings and her audience but the fact that she thoroughly enjoyed being fashionable reinforced the idea that at the end of the day she is still just a young girl navigating life whilst also being a genius.
The problem isn't that she enjoys fashion and a feminine aesthetic. It's that she does so to an unrealistic degree considering her adherence to it despite a breakdown.
@@downsjmmyjones101 not really. Some people disregard their appearance when they suffer mentally but its not a blanket way to cope. Many of my friends and I use physical appearance as a point of strength. Upkeeping myself physically was a way to distract myself as well as remind myself I still have a semblance of control even if it feels like I'm falling apart.
@@basicradical3581 exactly! That’s the same with me too, and it fits with Beth’s persona, she is totally the type of person to walk around looking like an aesthetic during a breakdown because that’s just what she’s like. It makes no sense to state that her choice of fashion at that moment has anything to do with “appealing to the male gaze”
"it actually made her more human since her skill often detached her from her surroundings and her audience" well-said!!!!!! I felt that I connected to her more because of her interest in fashion
@@francedeguzman510 thank you! And I agree :)
Beth is a femme fatale with brains during peace time - change my mind
Nina B.
I saw the whole show as an origin story/prequel to the most badass Bond girl ever.
Chris
She was a teenager. Of course she was awkward. It’s a prequel. It ends when she’s 21. Plenty of time.
A femme fatale is a beautiful woman who destroys others. She's a beautiful woman who somehow actually makes other people's lives better. She's a femme vitale :)
cold war = peace time???
@@csillakaszas7285 Compared to the 40s? Totally
They’re so many tv series and movies that show how women in male dominate fields face sexism and or racism. That im not too upset about a tv series allowing a woman to dominiate a steretypical male sport, and not only see her out wit the men, but then have said men be able to recieve & respect that they’ve been beat but also come togther and help her beat another powerful man.
Is it “realistic for its time” absolutley not 😂 but it’s nice to see a female character treated like a chess player and not a “female chess player.”
I also think that this tv series can show to up and coming boys that being beaten by a women is not an insult to one’s masculinity. And that true authetic masculinity can exist WITHOUT the degradation of women and or feminity.
@@smartass0124 there is no such thing as misandry because the last time i checked men mostly straight and white dominate the whole world so please get out of here with that nonsense!!
@@smartass0124 stop the spam bb
I personally loved that the Queen's Gambit didn't detail sexism in chess. It wasn't important to the story and could instead focus on an amazing game that hasn't gotten much attention in recent years. I also didn't have a problem with the idyllic men in her life. You say they are a man's fantasy but if anything they are a woman's. Television does not need to portray the realities of society. It can provide a template for wonderfully kind and endearing men.
THIS
I liked that she was so glamourous. Usually, when a girl in a movie has a makeover it’s to impress a boy. She didn’t want pretty clothes to be describable, she wanted them because it was something she never had. And when she does get fancy clothes, it’s through her own earnings. Exceptional females are always made to have more masculine traits and be “not like other girls” or “one of the guys.” But Beth was very feminine and interested in boys. And she also had female friends like Jolene, Alma, and Chloe. It was refreshing to see the men around her genuinely be supportive without the expected male toxicity.
I don’t appreciate calling this character “unrealistic” or “masculine”. Since when are all women supposed to be feminine, and a representation of a different kind of woman - self-absorbed asocial career-focused genius that embraces her sexuality and has supporting friends - “unrealistic”? Why do you think women on screen should embrace traditionally feminine characteristics as strengths? There is nothing wrong with that, but there is nothing wrong with the opposite either. Women are individuals with different personalities and for me it’s refreshing to see representation of a female human with a personality traditionally gifted to male characters. We exist. I happen to be one of them.
What’s more is that I was lucky to grow up surrounded by progressive people and due to their example I now continue to surround myself with wonderful people that lift me up. I didn’t have to face sexism at every corner, my many male friends support me because they care for me and they see and treat me as a person. In many cases they are not afraid to say that they look up to me. They don’t feel intimidated by me because they are mature enough that my success doesn’t mean their failure and vice versa. These people already exist. Watching The Queen’s Gambit, I didn’t see it as ridiculous, I saw myself, my situation, my friends, and it was authentically relatable - because the men I know are far from the monsters media usually makes them out to be.
And I’m sure, however small the percentage, these kinds of people have always existed in little bubbles of society, quietly living their lives perpendicular to the norms of the popular culture of their time, dreaming of a time when the world is a better place. Let’s also not forget that progress towards gender equality in the Soviet Union was substantially ahead of its American counterpart in the 60s, making the attitudes of the Soviets toward Harmon very close to reality. They would see her as a person, not just a woman, much more than their foreign counterparts.
There are now more real situations where women are empowered by their communities and workplaces than ever before. Unfortunately they don’t get enough screen time so people start to think that they’re just a fantasy in a fundamentally sexist evil world. This is a shame, because if you continuously overshow an unequal reality it normalizes it in people’s minds instead of alarming them. When they see it happen in real life they are not shocked into action - this is the norm and a different world is an intangible fantasy. That’s why it’s so important to have movies that show a different, positive reality. The more we see something, the more we can imagine it, the more we can believe it’s possible, the better we can imitate it and bring it to life. We need to see worlds devoid of sexism or at least those that do not have it as the focus in a female story, so we can picture what to aim for as a culture.
We need media that elevates women to true equality and acknowledges how different female individuals can be - not just a conglomeration of “feminine” strengths but humans with the potential for the entire range of the human strengths and experience. Once this is intrenched in the human consciousness, accepting “feminine” strengths should no longer be an issue because strengths no longer have gender. All people have access to the entire range of human traits and strengths in a culture where strengths that were previously considered feminine/masculine are celebrated equally in both female and male characters.
The Take, please don’t underplay the importance of fantasies and representation of better realities. Seeing something better moves people more potently than disgust with existing flawed realities. Positive example is one of the strongest source of inspiration we have as humans.
Thank you for making it to the end of this rant, here’s your potato prize: 🥔
THIS !
By the way, I am so happy that we agree that there is no "féminine" and "masculine" stuff. A hobby is a hobby. There is no girl hobbies and men hobbies.
If I could applaud you, I would. Traits are inherent and developed by environment. People trying to box them into binaries of ownership need to open their eyes to the real world, life is holistic and individual to each human being regardless if what lies between their legs.
I think it’s not brought up enough that Beth is autistic-coded. She is a rare example of an autistic woman, especially one who doesn’t fall into the stereotype of a socially awkward, “masculine” mathematics whiz. As an autistic woman, I heavily relate to Beth and the way she socializes, and how she breaks down in her own way. Her breakdowns aren’t uncommon for heavy-masking women, and are actually surprisingly realistic. She is a beautifully written character, and a hero for other fashionable, high-masking autistic women.
That's awesome. The moment you identify with Beth, she IS representative for autistic people.
Even if the authors didn't originally planned her to be autistic, who cares?
Why should the viewers interpretation be any less true?
I totally see it now that I've read your comment and I think others would, too.
I was just about to say that clearly she is autistic. Most people don’t really understand autistic women.
Oh to me it was just nice and a refuge to watch a female genius and not have to be constantly reminded that she would be consistently abused and mistreated at every turn. It’s aspirational in the best of ways.
the insistence on finding and inflating some negative angle is tiresome. i enjoy the analysis, but you're treating many of the strengths and intentional features of the film as if they were flaws. just because you can dredge up an over-used, ill-fitting critique of sexism doesn't mean you always should. at a certain point it stops looking insightful and becomes petty, tawdry.
Exactly
well said.
They've started to use this with EVERY single show or movie "critique". They don't have that many unique or insightful to say anymore, so they just insert sexism where it doesn't belong.
It is actually the opposite of helpful to do that... well said
She’s not antisocial. She’s unsocial. They’re different
asocial
According to WIkipedia: Anti-social behaviours are actions that harm or lack consideration for the well-being of others
Just explaining it better than I could. She does not care about other peoples feelings but just says whatever she is thinking. Asocial people would want to avoid conversation, especially when they may result in a conflict. I am not sure if they would like to play chess either.
She's an introvert.
The wikipedia definition is too vague. The lack of consideration in antisocial behavior intentionally ignores the well being of others. In Beth's case, she doesn't know what the proper actions are, not surprising given the severe childhood trauma she went through. It's made worse by her wish to remain alone, pushing people away. She doesn't intend to hurt other people by action or lack of action, which is the requirement to make it antisocial. This makes her asocial or unsocial instead.
@@jeriddian6775 Nobody is talking about the anti-social personality disorder. But the meaning of "anti-social" is unclear enough to have a discussion about it. The beauty of language.
Nevermind. Probably the first comment is asuming the aspd. But not every characteristic trait is a disorder. People can be narcisstic and not have a disorder.
Anya Taylor-Joy is one of the best actresses of our time and I will not hear otherwise. The Queen's Gambit is also already one of the best miniseries of the 2020s and I really want another one like this.
Yes! Also so good in the miniaturist. And I personally loved her Emma - it's hard to play a completely unlikeable character and still make us love her despite all her too apparent flaws.
@@liv97497 YESSS THIS! She is very talented. I see her as the next Meryl Streep or Olivia Coleman because I feel she's got a lot to give us
@@liv97497 emma was written to be unlikable?
She was brilliant in Peaky blinders too
funnily enough, I don't see how beth being respected as a genius is strange. smart women are very often challenged or seen as lesser by men who feel threatened by them, but... i grew up as a outspoken, smartass girl, usually being top of the class or among the smartest kids. and it's other people who call me smart, I've never met a guy who gets angry at me for being smarter than him. i was even specifically told by a friend that i basically crushed his spot as the smartest person in class, but he also constantly called me genius non-ironically. more often I've experienced interactions like beth than like other genius girls shown in media. it's likely I'm just am exception, but it's my experience. my country isn't all that advanced on gender equality either, but no matter what I'm the best at, men have never reacted negatively to me being better than them.
I truly loved this show. Excellent characterization. Excellent cinematography. Entertaining, captivating, and competent actors. Definitely recommend!
I think the "they're not portraying women as they should" discussion is getting redundant. _The Queen's Gambit_ presents a struggling talent that succeeded despite her inherent and surrounding limitations, and yet _it's far too unrealistic._ Be critical, be sharp, but dial it the f*ck down.
Reading the comments disagreeing with the "Take" and feeling better as I think this video missed the whole point of Beth Harmon and why both women and men look up to her lol
tbh yeah- before I used to watch their videos but recently, I just come here to read the comments
I think it's refreshing sometimes to see a beth harmon , who doesn't have to face what we face daily !
I can very strongly assure people that acting like a "lone genius", even if you are that intelligent, doesn't endear you to others. I've spent the last decade trying to become at least a bit more emotionally intelligent as that's just as important imo.
So much of this! 👏🏼
I don’t find it endearing either. I wish film would stop trying to make me emphasize with narcissists. Emotional intelligence should get more focus than it does
This show is killer, I love the whole idea
It just makes me want to be Beth
I usually love the take but this was plain infuriating.
The Take has a habit of wanting things to always be realistic instead of enjoying the fantasy
Yes, and that's not because a woman is fascinated with maths, science, is strong and witty that she's "acting like a man". That's irpnically sexist. She's still and always will be a woman.
They are like "she should be a woman behaving like a REAL woman, not like a man" and I'm like... But that's how I behave ?
Before I watched the show and just saw how Beth looked in pictures, I definitely thought, "Oh brother so she's a genius AND absolutely gorgeous. Yeah right". Now after having watched the show, it's clear that Beth's appearance being so perfect and glamorous was a key aspect of her personality. She's all about control, and her appearance is something fully within her control. She takes the time to style her hair and put on makeup and buy expensive and stylish clothing because it makes her feel good. In this context it also makes sense for her to style herself even while suffering from a breakdown. Girls definitely put on makeup and clothes for just themselves while at home. It's a very female trait. So her style never read to me as a male fantasy. It's absolutely her own expression and meant for herself.
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@@smartass0124 Wait what are you trying to say I'm so confused by your comments
Please Talk about Johny Lingo!!
14:54 shitty take.
Please please could you do an analysis on the character Mabel Pines and how empowering she is as a comic character and her hyper girlyness in a male character dominated show! Would be perfect to do in February as the show's final anniversary will be five years!
I'm tired of stories about how men want to hold you back, I want a story where woman's success is more than whatever men think, and yes, I want her to be wearing a beautiful dress and heels while she does this, because a woman doesn't need to give up her femininity in order to be the greatest!
It's interesting how one great show can single-handedly revive the publics interest in chess. Amazing
I like the fact they don't go into the sexism, it's a fantasy that allows us to see how society should react if it were equal for all.
I love it, even though I don’t know shit about chess...
Lol
Same. I'd like to learn though. Looks like fun. ☺
@@sadtitties222 I suppose it can. E exhilarating
@@sadtitties222 you should try it's quite fun lol. Before smartphones and technology became common, chess was one of my past time entertainments. It really does eat up time much like scrolling thru social media.
It doesn't have to be realistic. It's a good show. That's it.
that's not really the point of the video.
I really enjoyed the fact that it was unrealistic. I kept expecting Beth to be put down by the male characters within her life, yet instead they respected and even helped her. The fantasy was far more enjoyable to watch then any more 'realistic' approaches.
@@agraciotti I still think it's dumb. It's fiction . Why would it matter if the girl is not realistic? There's shows that are way less realistic but they don't say anything cause probably it has a black character and they might sound racist to point out how hard things would've been for those characters in the 60s or the 80. But it's fiction it doesn't matter in the end.
funnily, I found Beth as a character very relatable. She is taciturn, not good in social settings, and can easily come across as off-putting and is self-reliant to an isolating degree. That's a lot of traits I see in myself. It doesnt make her less of a character to me. Yes, she doesnt embrace more stereotypically feminine qualities. She's not good at nurturing, she never really learns how to be that. But she tries with her mother. And she has to be kicked in the ass to even think of accepting help, even when it comes on a silver platter. That is also something I can relate to. What made her character special to me, is how the show lets her grow organically. She doesnt magically become a softer, more girly and sweet person. She manages to become a bit more polite (at least she learns how to say thank you). But she is allowed to stay true to her character.
To see her dressed as super fashionable all through the series actually made me notice that more. She dresses hyper feminine, but she's blunt and direct (to the point of rudeness). I appreciated that because you dont see that too often, except for comic relief. As if beautiful women cant be rude. If they had made her more "normal", I feel that could have come across as another stereotype that smart/nerdy women cannot be beautiful. Or that beautiful women cannot possibly be smart in a male dominated field.
Yes, it is a fantasy. 1960s chess players would never have reacted this civilly to having their asses kicked by a pretty young thing. But... I kind of needed that. Its an encouraging fantasy after years of "you go girl" movies that singlehandedly beat up the big patriarchy. Or movies that focus on the misogynists at every corner. Both types of movies are important. But sometimes you want something uplifting.
I loved this series. I think that showing Beth as embodying ‘stereotypically female strengths’ is derivative and played out. I personally really related to Beth as I’m a woman who embodies straights that she displays: calculated, precise, independent.
Portrayals of individuals showing traits outside of their stereotypes tropes about gender empowers people to view traits as neutral. Anyone can be ambitious or cooperative or calculated; these can and should exist out of gender.
I agree with parts of this analysis, but not all. I think the fact that she liked to dress fashionably was the correct character choice, because A) she was an orphan and was forced to dress horribly, and have horrible haircuts (so she finds empowerment and freedom in dressing fashionably), and B) it makes sense for the era it was portrayed in. If we are to criticize the show for not having sexism as a main plot thread, then we can't criticize her fashion choices, which DOES make sense for the era (because women historically have to look nice at all times). I personally didn't have a problem with the fact that sexism wasn't that prevalent because there is a subtext of sexism without having to state it, and also, I think women deserve to have 'fantasy' stories, too. I liken this to how many LGBTQ+ stories are about coming out, but there have been so many stories about this, that even people within the LGBTQ+ community are tired of seeing it (give us something different). I know sexism exists. I live it. Most period dramas about women are about sexism, and it's nice to see something different? Women are more than their struggles with the patriarchy. Also, I saw the story as one about addiction, first and foremost, and so it makes sense that the focus was on her struggles with that, not sexism.
well said 🙌🏾
I think you missed the point about Beth being shaped by male fantasy. I interpreted her being fashionable as two things. 1. A way to ground her: she is a genius, but she’s also a young woman with regular interests. 2. A way FOR BETH to dominate others by shaping herself into a very specific way to be perceived. I think it’s very deliberate FROM HER to dress and act the way she does. Women now ARE more liberated in some respects but don’t forget that a lot of us will still shave, put on makeup etc, even when they’re alone. The makeup in the series is even used as a way to have Beth express herself. I’m not esp devoted to my appearance when I’m alone, but I can recognise that some women are, and that some are just so beautiful they will never look as bad as I do when I wake up, even after a hangover or whatever.
With her fashion choices, she also compensated for her time at the orphanage and what she had to wear there.
@@maikehudson333 excellent point!
i will say that it's nice to see men who get sexually rejected or thrown aside and deal with the rejection in a healthy and supportive way
I've rejected women in sexual situations. Most of them did not react in a healthy or supportive way. They must have felt entitled.
@@derrickbrossard1966 I’m sorry you’ve had those experiences. I have as well and it’s a deeply upsetting thing. I was referring to the statistically overwhelming sexual and interpersonal violence that women experience at the hands of men due to rejection. these stats don’t negate your experience, but your experience doesn’t negate the stats either. These things can coexist
@@leonardpollard5722 I agree with what you are saying. I would never dismiss the fact that women have been victims of horrible crimes against them and their loved ones by men. I've seen it & have come to the aid of women in those situations. I don't downplay that fact. In my life I've been the victim of many physical and sexual assaults by women. I just felt that it should be mentioned. It gets very little acknowledgement. Like you said both things are true. Thank you..
As a black person that was adopted by white people, I kept wondering what the show would have been like if it were about Jolene. The show could have explored misogynoir and honestly it would have been interesting. She was reduced to the magical black person in the show. I just wish more thought went into writing black characters even if they’re not the main subject of the show or movie.
The girl who slept with her boss and got a car from it? A lot less inspiring.
@@mrtheluckybucket idk why my comment won’t show up. But they did that to her character. They reduced her to just someone that’s there to magically appear when the main character needs her. It would have been an interesting story if the black girl was adopted by white people and she’s the genius at chess. Everyone’s reaction to her would have made a good show.
@@Kalkidanmulu Yeah I agree Jolene was written as a literal supporting character because all she does is support Beth's arc.
@@squashfei8907 as does everyone else in this show.
Yeah, Jolene’s character was treated like crap.
Loved how you guys finally did queens gambit!
Y'all should do the "Genius/Geek to Villain" trope (Kristin Wig in Wonder Woman, Jamie Foxx in Amazing Spider Man, & Uma Therman in Batman). It's always the "ugly" nerd/geek who then turns into a 'sexy' villain.
I loved that the show mentioned sexism but just gave Beth a chance to be unequivocally herself, without the boundaries we have faced through history. Although it is definitely a fantasy that none of us can hope to achieve even with normal levels of intelligence at any time in the near future, it was empowering to see a female protagonist not have to apologise for firstly, her physical womanhood, and secondly, her femininity - because women who have been granted these positions in media usually display traditionally masculine traits, and Beth was powerfully feminine. It was refreshing to basically see men bow before her, without having to demean themselves as women do in male narratives. Usually I would accuse a show of being tone deaf to ignore sexism, but since they touched upon it in the show, it was clearly a conscious decision (probably by the author though) that Beth would suffer due to her own issues, not her gender, and be allowed to be a character with depth and talent that is apart from the way women are usually portrayed. It was nice to see a show celebrate true genius aside true femininity, without it being about that specific connection. The focus was her genius, not anything else. It shows young and old women alike that we have the ability to do this and we won't just be 'intelligent for a woman', we will be intelligent. In the same way that we need more films starring black actors that are not about 'being black', because blackness is not the only struggle someone will face or the only characteristic to define them by, and also with LGBT characters, we need more shows like The Queen's Gambit' to do the same for women.
As someone who’s into cognitive functions she’s a female INTJ (I’m also a female INTJ we make up .5% of the total world population). In most shows/movies the INTJ prototype is usually given to men because society says those traits are associated with ‘masculine’ behavior.
There are of course other themes that will be true for women no matter what cognitive type you are *but* once you read on the INTJ in general and then look up female INTJ you’ll quickly see it.
Thank you! I just read a comment on here that suggested that Beth is autistic and I can't fathom how misunderstood and rare the INTJ female personality type is in media that people think a representation of it is a person with autism.
Agreed. As another INTJ it was so satisfying seeing one being a woman in media, especially since INTJ is an uncommon type. Not only the INTJ traits are attributed to masculinity, but also to villains and antagonists, too much for my liking. Until recently I haven’t seen too many INTJ protagonists, because being bad with emotions and an introvert aren’t things society values, a lot of people tend to relate them with mental illnesses. Beth is one of my favorite protagonists to date, it’s refreshing seeing someone like her being the main focus, a complex character who doesn’t completely fit but is not demonized nor romanticed for it, and I love that.
I concur. Another female INTJ here.
This show was art to me
"male fantasy of female genius"
me, a sapphic : " oh yeah that... horrid thing"
me, also a sapphic: yeah... male fantasy
Personally I loved the fact that She was so fashionable! Yes Beth being convencionally actractive could be the product of sexism (the male gaze), but I also feel like a very sexist mindset is that in order to be taken seriously in a male dominated space you have to give up your femmininity and "One of the Boys". I loved to see her win her battles while still enjoyng her very femminine fashion style.
Me too
YES
I loved that Beth embraced her femininity
Cool Chick Trope without being a Tomboy and supressing your femininity
I don't think shows always have to be realistic to the time period. Films most of the time feature a heightened reality. I think films and movies also normalize behaviours and beliefs. Seeing a woman have confidence and succeed in her field is empowering, and can influence more women and girls do to the same. Not everything needs to be grounded and gritty. It's the same reason why showing sexual assault in films is most often harmful and not necessary. Degrading women on screen can give disturbing people pleasure to see women/girls be brutalized. It also can give male audiences the belief that that is a women's place in life.
Film and television is often meant to be an escape, personally I don't want to see the horrors of being a woman on screen all the time. Sometimes you just want to watch a smart and feminine woman kick ass. This was created by men but that shouldn't be a reason against it. Are you saying that men shouldn't write female characters?!?!? Another example is Euphoria. Euphoria is loved by so many women and girls and it was created by a white man. If a writer/director's work is accepted, loved and has resonated with its target audience and many more audiences outside its usual demographic, then I think that shouldn't be overlooked.
" It also can give male audiences the belief that that is a women's place in life" - this is often THE point of depicting this. Often when a male director films this type of act there is an implicit message to the female members of the audience namely that "no matter how educated, successful etc you become, we can always do this to you. So stay in line"
Virginia Woolf would love this film. ‘Genius Restricted’ among Women was her Home Turf. (There’s a Ted Video about Virginia Woolf that’s awesome and it doesn’t take long to connect the two)
I just watched that video and that's what I was thinking of!
Honestly I don't care if it's unrealistic , The Queen's Gambit is everything we wish were real. We need more series like these because even if it's a fantasy , it has some positive parts that should be showcased . Entertainment has always been the biggest influencer to people ever
Last time i was this early beth was still in her mom's car.
something tells me that the troubled loner genius realistically ends up like her mom or hedy lamar.
Hedy Lamarr would be the exception bc she was extremely beautiful and could get easily a job as an actress. More likely like her mom
I actually like a fashionable, put together woman in all situations.
Ahhhhh, my favorite channel creating a video essay on a favorite show of mine. 💖💖💖
I wish that there were enough female genius characters out there so that Beth could just exist as one example, rather than as a character who failed at embodying every single way a woman can be strong and intelligent. What brought this to my mind was the part in the video where the male gaze is brought up to describe Beth's fashion sense and beauty. It shocked me to see this trait being treated as one of the series faults because personally see it as one of its strengths. Beth is a genius, but she is also beautiful and glamorous... in many ways she is the embodiment of all the things men have used to discredit and dismiss us. After all, it was men who deemed women who cared about fashion and makeup as vain and superficial... and in turn unintelligent and lesser. Beth cares about fashion and about looking beautiful and she does that while being smarter than everyone in the room; in many ways she subverts the expectations one would have of a character who looks like her and in my opinion, that is amazing. But of course, not every intelligent woman cares about her appearance, or is traditionally attractive or is even nice or sweet. And there is strength in all these types of characters, strength that sadly has not been explored enough. In the end, all I can hope is that we get more diverse genius characters who can show the world all the different VALID ways in which a strong and intelligent woman can exist.
The moral of these stories is almost always: "You don't want to be a genius" or "Mastery of art requires a mental-illness". Stop conflating competence with psychosis.
By western definition, a story needs conflict. If it was loosely based on the Polgar sisters, here would be some drama, but they would look like Mary Sues.
Tbh I am sick of the fact that whenever there is a story about a woman who is trying to do sth, it is always a story about sexism and how hard it is to live as a woman. I want to see stories about women who accomplish great things and become someone without constant reminder that it is nearly impossible in real world
Now I want a Beth Harmon and Sherlock crossover just for the heck of it!
HAHAHAA I THOUGHT THE SAME THING LMAO- we share a braincell of what-
@@whisper6388 takes a great mind to know one ;)
From the few times The Take mentioned Queen's Gambit in their past videos, I was waiting for this 👏👏