Powerful, Dissident, and Objectified British Queens in Biopic Films and Biographical-Historical TV Series

Although the popular media typically serve as powerful patriarchal agents in shaping and perpetuating societal norms regarding gender, they do have the potential to challenge, subvert, and transform these norms. One of the most unanticipated examples of this potentiality is the obsession of world cinema and television with British Queens and their spectacular monarchies. Due to the growing interest in European Queens since the 1990s, particularly female British monarchs from the late Middle Ages to the present day, numerous historical films and TV series demonstrate multiple and multifaceted attitudes towards these leaders. Although most of the film and TV industries are still owned by powerful male hegemonies, numerous films surprisingly deconstruct gender stereotypes and inequalities. Accordingly, my findings indicate that the popular representation in British Queens Regnant, in particular, is occasionally influenced by feminist trends. My critical examination of these representations is based on qualitative method and thematic content analysis of six biopic films and three biographical-historical television series–the most popular genres in the 20^th and 21^st centuries–concentrating on Elizabeth I, Victoria, and Elizabeth II. My research initially reveals how the creators provide a modern, alternative, and highly unpreceded interpretation of these extremely influential Queens' powerfulness, determinacy, integrity, and (un)compromised independence. I initially explore the highly prevalent co-existence of misogynistic, exploitive, and objectifying scenes, on the one hand, and high-agency, nonconforming articulations of powerful women, on the other hand. Despite remnants of the 'old order' that excludes women, however, significant parts of these films overtly criticize patriarchal discrimination. In particular, my research reveals an unexpected shift in the male gaze, traditionally associated with objectification and othering of women. My research indicates a new wave in media representation of women, heralding a global change in popular perceptions of women, particularly female leaders and their resilient governance.