Father’s Day: 10 Hollywood films that stood out for their unconventional portrayal of fathers

In most early Hollywood films, the portrayal of fathers often followed established stereotypes; they depicted fathers as strong, stoic and often authoritative figures, who served as the primary providers and disciplinarians within the family unit.

In Frank Capra’s Christmas fantasy drama, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), for instance, George Bailey, played by James Stewart, puts the needs of his family and community above his own desires. A selfless and responsible father figure, he works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of his wife and children. He embodies the traditional values of sacrifice and duty, upholding the notion of the father as the pillar of support and stability in the household.

In yet another classic Hollywood film, Life with Father (1947), directed by Michael Curtiz, William Powell essays the role of Clarence Day Sr., the strong-willed and sometimes overbearing father, who insists on maintaining order and discipline within his home. Despite his stern demeanour, Clarence is shown to deeply love his wife, Vinnie (portrayed by Irene Dunne), and their children, despite the occasional clashes and misunderstandings that arise. In Vincente Minnelli’s Father of the Bride (1950), Spencer Tracy plays a shell-shocked dad, who copes with the emotional and financial challenges of preparing for his daughter’s wedding.

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Stanley personifies the protective father archetype, initially resistant to the idea of his daughter (Elizabeth Taylor) getting married but eventually embracing the role of a supportive and loving father as he navigates the wedding planning process. The film reinforces the idea of fathers as guardians of their daughters’ well-being and showcases the importance of their presence during significant life events.

But that was then. In recent years, filmmakers have demonstrated a more diverse and nuanced approach to exploring fatherhood on the silver screen. These films have defied conventions, challenging societal norms and offering unconventional portrayals of fathers that reflect the complexities and realities of modern parenthood.

On Father’s Day, The Federal looks at 10  Hollywood films that dared to break the mould and present fathers in unique, unconventional ways. From redefining gender roles to exploring non-traditional family structures, these films push boundaries and provide us with refreshing and thought-provoking portrayals of fatherhood:

1. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979): Directed by Robert Benton, this landmark film explores the aftermath of a divorce and the challenges faced by a single father. Dustin Hoffman’s character, Ted Kramer, initially struggles to adapt to his new role as the primary caregiver for his young son. The film delves into the emotional journey of a father learning to navigate the complexities of parenthood, challenging the notion that fathers are inherently ill-equipped to handle childcare responsibilities, and defying the prevailing notion of fathers as mere providers.

2. Mr. Mom (1983): Directed by Stan Dragoti, Mr. Mom flips the traditional gender roles by portraying an unconventional father figure, Michael Keaton, who stars as Jack Butler, a recently laid-off automotive engineer, who takes on the role of a stay-at-home dad while his wife pursues a career. The film humorously explores the challenges and societal pressures Jack faces as he navigates the world of domestic duties typically associated with mothers; it is about a father’s journey of self-discovery, who learns to adapt to the demands of running a household and caring for his children.

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3.Three Men and a Baby (1987): In this comedy, directed by Leonard Nimoy, Tom Selleck, Steve Guttenberg, and Ted Danson star as three bachelors who find themselves unexpectedly caring for a baby left on their doorstep. The film dismantles the stereotype of men as ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities of childcare. Through humour and heart-warming moments, it shows how these unconventional fathers rise to the occasion, defying societal expectations, despite their initial lack of experience.

4. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): In this heart-warming comedy based on a 1987 novel written by English author Anne Fine, Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, a loving but divorced father who, in a desperate attempt to spend time with his children, disguises himself as an elderly British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire. The film delves into complexities of co-parenting and the impact of divorce on family dynamics. But, above all, it is about  the sacrifices Daniel makes to maintain a relationship with his kids, subverting the conventional gender roles associated with parenting.

5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006): Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, this indie comedy-drama focuses on a dysfunctional family as they embark on a road trip to support their daughter’s beauty pageant dreams. Greg Kinnear’s character, Richard, strives to be a supportive and encouraging father despite his own personal and professional setbacks. The film challenges the notion of a perfect father figure and instead presents a flawed yet loving dad who learns valuable lessons about acceptance and unconditional love.

6. The Pursuit of Happyness(2006): Inspired by a true story, this film stars Will Smith as Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless while raising his young son. The Pursuit of Happyness portrays the determination and unwavering love of a father as he faces numerous hardships in his pursuit of a better life for his family. The film emphasizes the resilience and strength of a father’s love, showcasing the impact it can have on a child’s upbringing.

7. Beginners (2010): Directed by Mike Mills, this poignant drama explores the relationship between a father and son. Christopher Plummer portrays Hal, who, at the age of 75, comes out as gay to his son, played by Ewan McGregor. Beginners explores themes of love, identity, and acceptance, emphasising the importance of open communication and understanding in a father-child relationship.

8. The Descendants (2011): George Clooney portrays a Hawaiian lawyer and father who becomes the primary caregiver for his two daughters after his wife falls into a coma. The Descendants examines the complexities of fatherhood in the face of tragedy. The film portrays a father struggling with his own grief and shortcomings while learning to understand and connect with his daughters. It offers a nuanced exploration of fatherhood, highlighting the emotional vulnerability and resilience of fathers.

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10. Captain Fantastic (2016): This thought-provoking film, directed by Matt Ross, follows a father, played by Viggo Mortensen, who raises his six children in the wilderness, away from the trappings of modern society. It examines the ideals of individuality, education, and family bonds and prompts viewers to question societal expectations of fatherhood and raises important discussions about alternative parenting approaches.