Mindy Kaling's article "Flick Chicks" introduced a few more ideas that I had subconsciously recognized were there but hadn't been entirely aware of, such as the portrayal of women in romantic comedies. I'll admit, I enjoy the occasional romantic comedy, but more often than not, I'm very much put off by the leading female in the film. I initially saw these women as ignorant and/or simply unintelligent, not to mention, for lack of a better word, weak, because they found it absolutely essential to have a man in their lives. But now, I've expanded my definition.
The women in a number of romantic comedies aren't necessarily unintelligent or ignorant, but simply caricatures of stereotypes. They're practically nothing more than hyperboles of aged up versions of those girls in the petty high school cliques we've come to know. And then of course, as Kaling pointed out, there's the fact that every single female love interest must look absolutely perfect, God forbid an attractive man falls for a woman with a little meat on her bones, blotchy complexion, and hair that doesn't always do as it's told.
I'm getting a little preachy here, but all I really want is to see strong, independent women showing up more on the big screen. I want to see gender roles swapped, or even lesbian or gay relationships, just to investigate the dynamic there. And can we please have a romantic relationship that involves more than just wanting to get into each other's pants? There's never enough emotion involved. Then again, I could just be taking everything about movies way too seriously. Wouldn't be the first time.
I agree with your most of your statements but I will say that Crazy Stupid Love actually has a normal looking girl that falls for a gorgeous man. It is the only romantic comedy I can think of where the normal, yet somewhat quirky, red head uses intelligence to knock the leading man off his feet. This is one of the few reasons that I actually enjoyed Crazy Stupid Love because the ending was terrible but hey, at least the girl wasn't the average beautiful, thin, dumb girl. By the way, love your writing style.
ReplyDeleteI love your comments!! I agree to with the charicatures (I think that's how you spell it). I mean, I bet there are some movies out there that aren't like that, but the ones we do see are similar to the ones she gives us
ReplyDeleteI agreed with how you said the women in some aspects seem weak. Although that may be true there are still some romantic comedies, very few, that the leading actress surprises you and isn't completely ignorant.
ReplyDelete