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Ruin your favourite books/films with a spot of feminist analysis

281 replies

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 12/11/2010 13:04

Got thinking about this on another thread where I was wittering talking cleverly about the problems I have with Bridget Jones's Diary (the book, the problem with the film is that stuffy faced plonker Firth).

One of her boyfriends is a total cheating dickhead, obviously. But the "nice" one, Mark Darcy, is incredibly patronising towards her, repeatedly "rescuing" her because he wants to fuck her. Which is all well and good, but whereas in Pride and Prejudice (the origin of BJD) Darcy has a lot of respect for the female protagonist, which she earns by being smart, witty, standing up for herself etc, BJD removes that whole side of her. When she stands up for herself it is something she later apologises for.

Anyway - anyone else want to join me?

OP posts:
LurcioLovesFrankie · 12/11/2010 13:18

"Elizabeth" with Kate Blanchet(spelling?) - kind of "Elizabeth, the Bridget Jones years", when in fact this was a young woman (in her teens, I think) who used to write letters (in Latin) to her father discussing statesmanship, the role of the monarch and military strategy. Not really an airhead. Still love Eric Cantona's part, though.

Anyone seen Jackie Fleming's cartoon synopsis of Frankie and Johnie? (I seem to remember it ends with the comment "audience leaves, thoroughly chastened and fully prepared to marry anyone with a pulse")

RibenaBerry · 12/11/2010 13:18

Reality - Oh, and add in, she prances about on stage to cover for a pregnant woman who has to have a botched backstreet abortion. Whatever your stance on abortion, that ain't a romantic backdrop for a film.

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ElephantsAndMiasmas · 12/11/2010 13:16

Brilliant, these are great. Had no idea about Carrie Fisher having that done to her Shock

Reality - I watched that at about 12 and wondered what the hell was supposed to be so good/romantic about it as well. Although I like the fact that the relationship ends and she doesn't want to live happily ever after with the big buffoon.

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RealityBomb · 12/11/2010 13:13

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BeerTricksPotter · 12/11/2010 13:11

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RibenaBerry · 12/11/2010 13:10

Well, it's not a favourite film, but I never understand why so many women love Pretty Women:

Desparate hooker (miraculously with no drugs involvement) hired by very rich man. Lots of sex - for which she is being paid. Whoops, falls in love.

Bleurgh