Film Matters: Please tell us about your article that is being published in Film Matters.
Jason Husak: I really wanted to write an article that showcased the different representations of feminism in film. As a feminist, myself, I find it fascinating how some films use feminism to sell a picture as a tacky new trend rather than as a method to educate and push the conversation further. Specifically, in my article, I explore how Ghostbusters: Answer the Call explores the former by using women as the cheap gimmick to sell the rebooted franchise rather than as vehicles for change in an impactful and progressive way.
FM: What research and/or methodologies do you incorporate in your article?
JH: I researched the economic, critical, and public reception of the original Ghostbusters film and compared it to the reboot. Now, obviously, technology has vastly changed over the past thirty or so years, so I looked at how the internet impacted Ghostbusters: Answer the Call in ultimately leading to its poor box office showing. I found it important to look at how nostalgia has impacted both films and how marketing methods had a role in each film’s public perception. Most importantly, I incorporated the different methodologies of feminism and their portrayal in media and the films themselves.
FM: Describe the original context for/when writing this article while an undergraduate student.
JH: The article was written during one of my undergraduate film studies classes which focused on screening comedy. The original assignment was to do a research paper on a comedic film or films and its impacts on society.
FM: How has your department and/or institution supported your work in film and media?
JH: They provided me with great professors to collaborate with and help me become a better writer.
FM: How have your faculty mentors fostered your advancement as a film scholar?
JH: By providing me great feedback on my writing and always being there for me in terms of editing, by providing a reference or support. They were the first ones to introduce me to Film Matters by advising I submit my works for publication.
FM: How has the Film Matters editorial and publication process impacted the development/evolution of your article?
JH: The team at Film Matters has been excellent in providing great feedback, which enables me to hone my writing skills. Liza and Tim Palmer have been great to work with by providing me an outlet for my writing to flourish. Though this article is a bigger piece of mine, writing film reviews for Film Matters every month has helped me keep exercising my critical writing muscle. Through multiple submissions and practice writing my reviews, Film Matters helped me make the best version of this article and I can’t thank them enough for all the help and support.
FM: What audience do you hope to reach with your Film Matters article and/or what impact do you hope it has on the field of film studies?
JH: Hopefully, a lot of feminists and people wanting to understand feminism more. I would even be happy to have people who are non-feminists read the article and open a dialogue as to why Ghostbusters: Answer the Call failed with audiences for other reasons. I find looking at box office research and comparing it to film marketing and reception really paint an interesting picture in regard to public approval and acceptance of certain films and franchises. I hope this article makes filmgoers question why certain films become box office bombs and/or successes, and brings to light a different perspective in understanding feminism and the representation of women in cinema.
FM: What are your future plans?
JH: Obviously, there have been a lot of women-led films released since 2016. I would love to explore other genres of film, particularly blockbuster and superhero movies, and their impact on women and their representation in film. The dialogue of feminism in the industry has changed and there have been a lot of films that have progressed the concept further whether it be Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, or even Alita: Battle Angel. I would love to pursue a graduate degree in film studies where I could take my passion to new heights and explore these methodologies and concepts through more modern lenses. If that doesn’t work out maybe I’ll create a YouTube channel at the very least!
Author Biography
Jason Husak has recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in biological sciences and film studies. In winter of 2016, Jason wrote this paper during the end of his undergraduate career when studying the impacts of mainstream film comedy. Jason also hosts a weekly film and entertainment podcast (Boring People, Bad Opinions) focusing on film reviews, analysis, and industry insight.
