In crime films, how are women's roles generally depicted?

In crime films, women's roles are often depicted in a way that aligns them with stereotypical characteristics, which can manifest in two main archetypes: childlike or resembling men. The childlike portrayal suggests vulnerability, innocence, or naivety, presenting women as needing protection or guidance. On the other hand, depicting women as akin to men often emphasizes toughness, aggression, or a more masculinized behavior, thereby challenging traditional gender roles to an extent but still placing them within rigid confines of binary gender characteristics.

These portrayals can serve various narrative functions; for instance, they allow filmmakers to address issues of femininity while still adhering to established gender norms. The focus on these extremes means that women in crime films frequently do not achieve depth or complexity in their characterization, reducing their roles to defining traits that limit their potential as fully realized characters. The reduction to either childlike innocence or a masculine warrior disrupts the possibility of showcasing a wide spectrum of female experiences and agency within the crime genre. Thus, the depiction of women in such dichotomous roles is emblematic of larger societal views regarding gender.