His Girl Friday

In the Howard Hawks film His Girl Friday great techniques for framing the shot in a way that a large group of people can talk is very evident. Hawks is able to allow the camera to keep up with the fast pace of the dialogue and action. I would, however, like to discuss the themes presented in the film. Hawks is known for his subjection of women and that is a strong force in this film. The main character, Hildy, is always being pushed by the men of the film. Her decisions are made to seem like her own, but in reality Walter is always going behind her back, staying one step ahead and planning where she will go next. Though she is an empowered woman she seems to not be able to live without the men in her life. Why does Hawks need to downgrade the power of women?