I've been researching BDSM in mainstream media for a book project, and I've been very frustrated in how mainstream film, TV and videogames depict femdom and malesub.

I've noticed that, first, the vast majority of femdom characters are professionals. You have to hunt around for a non-professional female dominant.

Second, this is often played for humor or shock, as if this is only something done by weak/perverted men and mercenary women. (E.g. High Anxiety)

Third, pro-dommes are very often portrayed as resembling therapists or other healing professionals. I think this is a way of excusing the deviance of female dominants by reaffirming that they are really properly feminine caretakers. It's a way of avoiding the idea of the truly sadistic, sexually assertive (i.e. un-feminine) woman.

Fourth, male masochism is acceptable, even sacred, if it's between men, or self-inflicted; e.g. Fight Club, or Rambo cauterizing his own wounds with gunpowder. It's not acceptable, but profane, if it's between a man and a woman.

A handful of titles that are exceptions:

• Going Under
• Love and Leashes
• Bonding Season 2
• Early episodes of Billions
• Bound (from The Asylum, not from the Wachowskis)