Chicks, man.
I've been called a "sexist" multiple times. In print, by a family member, probably behind my back and so on and so forth. I fear women. Not because I'm insecure, no. I just know for a fact that they're all smarter than me. But damnit, I have a sensitive side! I have two older sisters and years of training in the arts of film and dealing with the women. That's why it concerns me that I generally have trouble with Chick Flicks. Don't get me started, but if you want to watch 'ol Goble have a conniption fit, ask me about "Love, Actually" or ""Pretty Women" or the new "Valentine's Day." Actually, pretty much anything Garry Marshall or Julia Roberts makes me look like a Mütiilation album went to 11 in my head.
But, that's not to say I dislike romance, romantic comedy or the seemingly impenetrable "chick flick." Sure, I just saw "Best Friend's Wedding" for the first time and immediately hated it. I hate a lot of these films. But there are a few golden gals out there. So, out of respect for sisters, mothers and daughters everywhere ... for the sake of February almost being over and almost confusing this with Valentine's Day fluff ... for the fact that "Sophisticated Bitch" literally just popped in my iTunes and I'm really starting to feel guilty ... because despite the fact that I don't consider myself a manly man or a bigot, I feel I shun these films too often ... here are some of my favorite "chick flicks."
Here's a guide for your boyfriend. Or if you don't have one, uh, watch 'em with me?
My terms for properly labeling something a chick flick?
- The film has a strong, if not sole female lead, involved in romantic dealings. Self-discovery or love can and should be involved, and the top billed female should be more important, if not equal to her counterpart.
- Again, romance should be involved. So as much as I like "Norma Rae," "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "Erin Brockovich," "Nine to Five" or "Volver," and their gender empowerment ... those films are far more reflexive than romantic.
- No Garry Marshall.
- No Julia Roberts.
- That's it. Fingers crossed that I got this right.
Eat me Carrie Bradshaw. Holly Gollightly is my single lady in the city. It doesn't hurt that this is adapted from that gifted gossiping hen Capote, or that Audrey Hepburn is lovely and luminous. But man, "Moon River" sticks with you, and so does this bittersweet romance. Even if Mr. Yunioshi makes you wanna hang your head.
"Snap out of it!" These days, every sappy, soapy and sweet moment in this kind of romantic comedy would be overplayed. Even exhausting I might say. But Norman Jewison's "Moonstruck" is just too perfect. Between John Shanley's straightforward writing and the two leads' commanding performances, "Moonstruck" just feels right. Think I'm wrong? Watch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" right after this, and you'll see.
When the hell did a romantic comedy win best picture, let alone really deserve to? Swift and snappy, Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable's whirlwind romance across the country has lasted thanks to some snappy dialogue and now iconic moments of cuteness — the near wholly exposed leg! OMG! If it's on TCM, and it likely will be soon, then watch it. Just beware the 'Walls of Jericho.'
Bawww. Oh man, I was bawling my eyes out during the pitch-perfect epilogue. A postmodern romance with a nuanced and strong leading performance from Keira Knightley, "Atonement" is deeply, sadly romantic. I honestly think "Atonement" is underrated and deserves a better audience. Also — and this is as crass I'll get — the green dress sex scene? YOWZA!!!
I mean, a list like this needs some representation from the sassy Katherine Hepburn. In this screwball romance, Hepburn accidentally drags a game Cary Grant through thick and fun, only to bring about some great romantic comedy. The film begs the question: What happens when you mix a paleontoligist with an heiress and divide it by a leopard? Well, it's "Baby" baby. Also, I just realized "Adam's Rib" and possible "Philadelphia Story" may be acceptable substitutes.
This is like Clint Eastwood apologizing, kinda successfully, for decades of mysogyny and woman-hating. "Bridges" is the all too brief, four-day romance between a farmer's wife and a National Geographic photographer in 1965 Iowa. It's patient, romantic and thoughtfully played out by the Glint as part of his Autumn Renaissance. I remember all the Simpsons jokes, and the irony of Clint doing something like this, but I mean it: "Bridges" is so good. Good Clint score too!
My near fetishistic love of Hughes peaks several years after this movie, but still, "Sixteen Candles" is awesomely earnest, despite the exact same problem that "Tiffany's" has — can you say 'insensitive Asians?' But Hughes nails an age, time and place with seemingly true efficiency. Some might call Hughes' depictions of youth trite or oversimplified. I say universally applicable. Plus, this has been duplicated for decades now, and somehow never acceptably recreated.
I've already written about the amazing yet underseen "Star" in my top ten for 2009, but here's another blurb! It's great! It's awesome! Poetic! Lyrical! Abbie Cornish was snubbed! See this movie now in DVD!
Well, that's all I got for now. Did I miss something? Screw anything up? Will any of you ladies want to be watching these with me before the month is out? Put it in the comments.
Or call me.
I love you babe.
Yes, you.
No comments:
Post a Comment