Wonder Woman was not only a box office hit, but a big step for female filmmakers and the film industry all over. Around the time of its release, there was quite the buzz and talk about a woman's part in the film industry. And yes, surprise! There are films before WW that are directed by a woman. Nevermind that though, as I was researching I wanted to discuss some movies that were buzzed about. I will be discussing Amy Schumer's Trainwreck (2015), Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's Sisters (2015) and a personal favorite, Bridesmaids (2015). Yes, the latter is not directed by a woman (Paul Feig), but it was co-written by none other Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo (Joy) In this section, I will, in a way, compare the four movies, and while commending them all, discuss how Patty Jenkin's comic adaptation sets itself apart from the rest.
"Gross-Out"
Aside from WW, the films I will be mentioning are usually categorized as "gross out" films—think The Hangover. So, for those who do not know, this is the definition: describes a movement in art (often comic), which aims to shock and disgust the audience with controversial material such as toilet humor, nudity, or any sexual topic.
Comparing the three and why Wonder Woman is different.
Wonder Woman sets itself apart from that of Sisters, Bridesmaids, and Trainwreck because (1) it was a highly anticipated super-hero movie that I believe would have done great regardless of the women empowerment movement and (2) it’s definitely not a gross-out movie like our three contenders. But, there is no doubt that these all fall into the same category. I’ve heard that 2017 has been coined as the “Year of the Woman,” for obvious reasons, not just movies and comedian figures making their debut. To start off, while our contenders are no Wonder Woman they are still wonder women in a sense that these women are making an effort and a fight to stop the reign of funny men in film and get their work out there. This sends other aspiring women in film and young girls, as well, a message that the possibility of them becoming these big influential figures in the world, is 100% possible and that they don’t have to settle for less.
I believe Wonder Woman does the same as well, aside from being the first stand- alone female superhero movie in a while, and the most successful, it’s empowering and so happens to be directed by a woman. Speaking from personal experience, after every viewing, four to be exact, I left the theater feeling like I could literally do anything. And that’s the type of feeling that brings people back for more and inspires a person. Regardless of the fact that Diana Prince is a literal goddess, we are seeing a female figure, take over the big screen, fight men, stand down to no one, and look great doing it (which is a good thing, regardless of what James Cameron thinks), it’s something we all want to see and it’s something inspires.
There are key differences though, in our three movies stated, there isn’t a wonder woman like figure, although I could be wrong, what I am saying is that, while obviously our characters aren’t going to fight a god and unleash their superpowers, they don’t give off the same message and impact that our box-office winner does. I did not feel inspired have the same feeling that I felt after WW when I finished the female gross-outs mentioned above. In fact, while funny in certain ways, I felt the same as I felt after watching Superbad and This if 40 , which of course, it not an insult. I am just saying that while all three of those films are huge step for women in film, it’s a similar approach to a male comedy. This doesn’t mean that seeing a female approach gives me the same feeling as a male gross-out, in fact, it’s exciting to see actresses and female comedians take on the big screen rather than the little screens, I just would hate for these types of movies to fall short when they have great potential and the space to make a bigger impact, much like Wonder Woman.
I Conclude.
Overall, all of these movies give us the strength, in a way, to fight off the male population. In all seriousness, these women, along with many others, have the potential to give us much more. I truly believe that there will be more to come and while long awaited, we will see women (not just women in film) thrive and become the people they are striving to be. While different in their own ways, they all give off the same type of message and the notion that women can do anything.
