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August 1996, Week 3

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Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:
From:
"Simone L. Fary" <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 17 Aug 1996 08:32:10 -0400
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        I am not offended by the assertion that women are
generally more interested in relationship themes in movies
then men, in fact my experience bears this out.  I hope
the fear of offending isn't causing anyone to self-censor.
For the record, I enjoy my escapism just like anybody else.
        My point is why do we have so many characters in
mainsteam movies like the Steve Martin one in "Father of the
Bride", who at one point writes out a check for $100,000?  I
rarely see anybody similar to anybody I know in mainstream
Holllywood movies.
        I barely watch tv sitcoms, but I can think of 2
examples of characters who seem closer to life than this.
The Roseanne show features a woman who is hardly super-model
slim, got married young etc. etc.  The John Laroquette show
features a main character who is a recovering alcoholic,
divorced, in a mediocre job etc.  Both of these shows are
successful comedies, providing a half-hour of escapism.
        So I'll put forth the question this way.  Do you
listers think that when Hollywood puts out characters that
are unrealistic in their affluence  it is because they are
out of touch with average people, who would like to see
characters more like themselves?  Or, are they simply
providing the escapism that is sought?
 
Simone Fary
P.S.  I don't think that narrative expediency can be
blamed totally for showing charcters without problems.
A good writer can add provide alot of information rather
quickly with just the right line, action etc.  You could
have shown the Julila Roberts character going to school
without having to get into details of the enrollment
process, but without having to make it seem so effortless.
It could have made her charcter seem more complex,
sympathetic and interesting.
 
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