Quirky, glowy, and alluring, the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” is a female archetype coined in 2007 by Nathan Rabin whose primary role in media is to revive the troubled male lead with her captivating and unique personality, often at the expense of her own personal development.
Though the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” worked to free women from the dull and predictable roles that preceded them, this archetype carries with it its own issues that are thankfully beginning to be outgrown.
Rabin describes this “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” as one who “exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.”
A classic example of the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” is Zooey Deschanel’s leading role in “500 Days of Summer.” Summer, the love interest of protagonist Tom Hansen, is clear with her intentions against being in a relationship. Regardless, she is ultimately blamed by Tom when his idealized version of her lacks completion, and he is left feeling unfulfilled and hopeless.
The media both vilifies and defends Summer, similar to the judgment of the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” at large. Some argue she had a responsibility towards Tom, while others believe Tom’s romanticization of her was the true cause of destruction in the story.
Some absolve the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” from her effect, while others criticize her, but either way, the archetype is ultimately a derogatory one. This role was pivotal during its time by releasing women from the “Damsel in Distress” role and painting her as a unique and independent individual; however, she is ultimately still enchained to the fulfillment of men.
This tragic depiction in the media can be a dangerous one when replicated in society, because men will subconsciously develop the expectation of women to embody the role of a savior, which, sooner or later, leads to her dehumanization.
I would say it is time to retire this exhausted trope. It is all too often that women in the media are depicted as tools to further the lead male’s story, instead of being crafted with intention that can actually contribute to the story’s messaging.
With the recent release of “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, the story does a remarkable job of manipulating Elizabeth Frankenstein’s “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” qualities to criticize the role itself.
Her unique obsession with purity in the world inspires and invigorates Victor Frankenstein, yet her ultimate death by his hands reveals Victor’s abuse of her ‘mania.’ By depicting this role with a clear and intentional vision to display the destruction of this archetype on women, del Toro essentially flips the derogatory depiction of the “Manic Pixie Dream Girl.”
This modern movie has shown that it can be an incredibly useful tool to weaponize the archetypes that have enchained female roles historically, when done correctly.
It is time that female roles are written with intention, whether that’s using archetypal roles to criticize their impact, or writing characters with legitimate flaws and ambitions that male roles have.
Regardless of the types of female characters on screen, it is important that effort goes into their humanization. Media has an undeniable influence on the masses perception of gender roles and conformities, so it is vital we depict these relationships with purpose and awareness.
