It is strange how I go to see movies more in Sydney than in Gdansk . Similar movies, often
even the same, cheaper tickets but I saw only one film in three month during my
stay in Poland . I went to a
theatre play once but this is in no relation to the frequency with which I go
to see movies in Sydney . I have been here
three weeks and I have seen Holding the Man and The Intern, and I am planning
to see Walking in the Woods later this week.
I have been encouraged to see The
Intern by another blogger and his post.
Ramana and I write about the film from different perspectives but we both liked
the film a lot. This is in spite of the film not at all being ranked high by
critics. I watched the review by The Guardian critics and I heard – the film is
crushingly bad! I thought that the review by the three men was crushingly arrogant, in fact. It
is a feel good film, fun and light, absorbing and amusing. This is in my book a
good film and The Intern definitely serves its purpose to amuse and not only that.
The Guardian critics argue that the film puts women in a bad light,
makes them look silly because they cry, they like to loose weight and they want
to be loved. I see it differently. Yes, women are different to men in many
ways. This is not a particularly deep observation. Is it bad that even if
professionally successful, they cry sometimes? Do they really have to behave
like men to be considered professional? I do not think so. We all can be
ourselves even if most women were conditioned by our societies as well as men. That
creates certain expectations. But people can be successful in their professions
and deserve respect based on what and how they have achieved and not if they go
on a diet or cry in moments of weakness, or swear or go to rugby matches for
that matter. And who would like women and men behave the same way?
The film does not argue with stereotypes or wants to change them. I like
that. This is not this type of a film. For example, it shows that men prefer
younger women, like the hero of the film. Even though I accept this preference,
I must say I found it a bit disturbing to watch the scenes with a woman more of
Robert de Niro age being ridiculed and younger one making very obvious advances
pictured in a positive light. I do not intend to make a big point here. I just
noticed it as a little dissonance.
Tho two women hitting on Niro was something that I noticed too but from my perspective, the first older one was coming on too hard on him, causing him quite some discomfort. The younger masseuse however plays straight and I think her no nonsense approach is what clinches the preference rather than the obvious age difference.
ReplyDeleteYes, one of my readers had pointed out that male critics have always been very critical and negatively so about all Nancy Meyers movies. I on the other hand really appreciate what she tries to do in her films.
I actually did not mind de Niro making the choice he did but the screenplay age choices. When I saw the first scene with the older woman making her unwanted advances, I thought - oh, my God, no! But it may be my personal sensitivity.
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