HE’S NOT THAT INTO
YOU (2009)
(Note: If this post is
your first encounter with my Feminist Film Moment posting, kindly read the rules
of engagement before reading, commenting, etc.)
Written by Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein, Greg Behrendt and
Liz Tuccillo based on the book of the same name by Greg Behrendt and Liz
Tuccillo
Directed by Ken Kwapis
Synopsis:
The film follows several characters of different relationship statuses
as they experiences the trials and tribulations of finding and/or sustaining
love.
Moment: Beth (Jennifer Aniston) realizes that a wedding and
marriage does not a husband make.
Rationale:
He’s Not That Into You
is one of the rare relationship books with a male author (comic Greg Behrendt co-written
with his wife Liz Tuccillo) where you get the sense, “This guy really likes women and wants them to be happy
on their terms.” Not being a work
of fiction, the screenwriters had to work overtime to create characters and
relationships that reflect some of the book’s insights. The result: a rare
rom-com that both men and women can watch, enjoy and discuss. For the most
part, all the relationships are realistic and nuanced, and my favorite
relationship is the 7-year romance between Beth and Neil. She breaks up with
him because he loves her but doesn’t believe in marriage (which is a dumb
saying when you think about it. I mean, marriage exists. It’s not like, you
know, a unicorn or the tooth fairy.)
When Neil is there for Beth when she needs him most despite their split,
she realizes that he already embodies everything she wants in a partner without
marriage. This is not to say that marriage doesn’t have its benefits and
charms. It certainly has its privileges for those who can marry. That said,
it’s pretty damn feminist for a heterosexual woman to just appreciate and enjoy
the partnership she has co-created with the man in her life, and especially to
let go of the societal pressure to legally hitch herself to him.
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