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Join us for a three part series with Dr. Julia Wagner, live from the UK, as we examine the evolution of the “Jewish American Princess” character-type in film and television, from its misogynistic origins to unlikely heroines. Dr. Wagner will draw together the themes of the three lectures outlined below to ask how Jewish women on screen can assert their independence and effect social change. How do the characters portray female power, money and privilege, duty and loyalty, personal responsibility and social conscience? By analyzing representative movies and television series from a feminist perspective, we will see how and why Jewish American Princess heroines might challenge negative stereotypes and provide positive images of Jewish women.
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Tuesday April 13, 2021
MISOGYNISTIC ORIGINS – We explore the cultural environment which gave rise to the negative stereotype of the Jewish American Princess and look at some early representations in popular culture.
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Tuesday April 20, 2021
UNLIKELY HEROINES – We focus on the development of the Jewish American Princess in post-1980s movies, exploring the ways in which female filmmakers and screenwriters have embraced the character with nuance, affection and respect. Key films include Private Benjamin (dir. Howard Zieff, 1980) starring Goldie Hawn; Dirty Dancing (dir. Emile Ardolino, 1987) with Jennifer Grey as Frances Houseman; and Clueless (dir. Amy Heckerling, 1995), in which Alicia Silverstone plays Cher Horowitz.
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Tuesday April 27, 2021
TELEVISION TODAY – We examine depictions of the Jewish American Princess in post-1990s television series, including Friends, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Broad City and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.
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Dr. Julia Wagner is a London-based lecturer and writer specializing in film and television. She holds a PhD in Film Studies (UCL) and an MA in Italian Studies (University of Edinburgh). She lectures widely, including teaching Film Studies courses for adults and regularly presenting her research at cultural centers and international conferences. Julia’s writing about film and television has been published by the British Film Institute, Sight and Sound, Huffington Post UK, Jewish Quarterly journal and The Jewish Chronicle. She curated Jewish Britain on Film, a JW3/BFI-funded archive project, and contributed to the British Film Institute’s Fellini Centenary season in 2020. Julia hosts Q&As with filmmakers and is passionate about film education and public engagement. Twitter: @jrwagz. Website: www.juliawagnerfilm.com.
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There is no fee, but please RSVP for planning purposes. This event is held virtually on Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. For more information, contact Program Director Ilene Tatro at itatro@cbisd.org.
CSP Partners: Beth Israel (San Diego, CA), Congregation Beth Shalom (Seattle, WA), Congregation B’nai Tzedek (Fountain Valley, CA), Congregation B’nai Israel (Tustin, CA), Jewish Collaborative of Orange County, CA, Temple Bat Yahm (Newport Beach, CA), Temple Beth El of South Orange County (Aliso Viejo, CA), Temple Beth Emet (Anaheim, CA), Temple Beth Ohr (La Mirada, CA), Temple Beth Tikvah (Fullerton, CA), Temple Beth Shalom (Needham, MA), Temple Beth Sholom (Santa Ana, CA), Temple Emanuel (Newton, MA), Town & Village Synagogue (NYC, NY), University Synagogue (Irvine, CA) & Valley Beth Shalom (Encino, CA)
