The fact that its 2014 and we still have to differentiate between a female movie character and simply a movie character is troubling. If you watch Robert De Niro in Raging Bull youll never be tempted to say, boy, thats a really interesting and strong male character. However, Sigourney Weavers Ellen Ripley is still explicitly praised as a strong female character, as if its such an oddity that an emphasis needs to be put on the fact that shes a woman. While film school classes and incensed critics continue to debate the lack of women in film, female actresses have been fighting the good fight on the silver screen itself. Alas, not in anywhere near the numbers needed, but progress is still being made. 2014 has seen its fair share of damsels in distress, nagging housewives, and ditzy girlfriends; it has also seen a number of interesting and nuanced woman characters. And thats the topic at hand today. These cinematic women range from a single mother struggling to raise her son to a deadly assassin who would rip your throat out without thinking twice. This list celebrates the very best female creations of 2014. Remember - a spoiler alert is in full effect.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
