Professor Marston & the Wonder Women (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place primarily in New York City, with key scenes set at Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges. These academic institutions serve as the intellectual backdrop where William Marston conducted his groundbreaking research and where the initial ideas for Wonder Woman were developed.

• setting
• new york city
• harvard
• radcliffe
• locations

The narrative spans from 1928 to 1947, covering the late 1920s through the mid-1940s. This period encompasses the Great Depression, the rise of feminism, and World War II, all of which influence the story's context and the creation of Wonder Woman.

• time period
• 1920s
• 1940s
• historical era
• ww2

William Moulton Marston is portrayed as an intellectual creator and psychologist who invented the lie detector and later created Wonder Woman. He is depicted as someone who struggled between his personal aspirations and societal norms, using his complex relationships with Elizabeth and Olive as inspiration for the iconic superhero.

• william marston
• creator
• psychologist
• comic book creator

Elizabeth Marston is William's wife, portrayed as a strong and resilient woman who evolves from a supportive partner to the family's primary breadwinner. She grapples with the complexities of their unconventional family dynamics while advocating for her children's well-being and maintaining the household.

• elizabeth marston
• wife
• strength
• resilience

Olive Byrne is depicted as an insightful and nurturing research assistant who becomes romantically involved with both William and Elizabeth. She plays a crucial role in the intellectual and emotional framework of their family, contributing to the shared life and aspirations that would inspire Wonder Woman's creation.

• olive byrne
• research assistant
• lover
• partner

The film explores the complexities of polyamorous love between William, Elizabeth, and Olive. Their emotional connection challenges traditional relationship norms, showcasing a profound bond built on trust and shared values that becomes central to the narrative and directly influences the creation of Wonder Woman.

• polyamory
• relationship
• love triangle
• alternative lifestyle

Both Elizabeth and Olive served as direct inspirations for Wonder Woman's character and powers. Their feminist ideals and the dynamics of their unconventional family became integral to shaping the superhero, with their strength, intelligence, and independent spirit reflected in the iconic character.

• wonder woman
• inspiration
• superhero creation
• feminist ideals

The characters face significant societal scrutiny and personal challenges due to their unconventional lifestyle during a conservative era. This emotional and social turmoil highlights the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations, leading to profound repercussions for their family and careers.

• society
• scrutiny
• social expectations
• ostracism
• taboo

William Marston is credited with inventing the lie detector (polygraph), which represents the film's theme of innovation. This academic achievement and his psychological research directly connect to his creative work in developing Wonder Woman's character and mythology.

• lie detector
• polygraph
• invention
• innovation
• psychology

The film explores themes of female empowerment through Wonder Woman's creation, reflecting the real-world feminist ideals championed by both Elizabeth and Olive. Their intelligence, independence, and strength become embodied in the superhero, making the character a groundbreaking female icon in comic book history.

• feminism
• empowerment
• female strength
• women's rights

The film has a bittersweet tone, balancing the profound joy and love found in the unconventional family with persistent external persecution and personal sacrifices. While William's death brings profound loss, the enduring partnership of Elizabeth and Olive for decades after provides a hopeful, resilient conclusion.

• bittersweet
• emotional tone
• ending
• resilience
• love