It's...complex?

I've been talking about how the roles for women are changing in the current entertainment climate but the trailer for the upcoming It's Complicated got me thinking. I've been making a case for the idea that the roles for women in television are stronger than in film, and overlooking the fact that we have come a LONG way in terms of what the public wants to see of the modern woman.

Allow me to get a little film school on you for a second:

When I was in first year we watched a film called All that Heaven Allows with Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman. It was about a widow (Wyman) who falls in love with a gallant gardener (Hudson) who is younger than her by at least a few years. Now throughout the movie they talk again and again of how old she is and how it's not proper for a lady of her age to be carrying on in such a way. Let's be clear: and say that by "carrying on" they are referring to her going out on dates with this man and that at the time of the film's release Wyman was 38 years old (meaning she was likely 36 or 37 at the time of filming).

The majority of the household names in romantic films these days are well into their thirties: Sandra Bullock is 45, Cameron Diaz is 37, Jennifer Aniston is 40, Angelina Jolie (who many still consider one of the hottest women on the planet) is 34. So while the film is likely formulaic in the way that Romcoms tend to be...it is a pleasure to see that Ms. Streep (who turned 60 this year) is front and centre, and shooting sex scenes no less!

Check out the trailers and let me know what you think...

For shame: the TV vs. Film Dilemma

I am actively boycotting the Ugly Truth as there are many far superior movies in theatres at the moment. Unfortunately-- my friends and I aside-- the film seems to be doing quite well at the box office and it leads me to wonder about movie watchers' habits. Obviously the Romcoms tend to do quite well but for an actress who complained about not having enough meat to warrant an Emmy for her role (not that, you know, she was thinking she had a chance of winning or anything) it's an interesting choice of roles for Katherine Heigl.

Lo and behold someone thought the same thing! Check out this article and let me know what you think...are the TV roles for women more plum at the moment?

"Shew vs. shrewd" (chicagotribune.com)

The ladies of Emmy's drama nominations certainly think so! Check out their round table discussion when you're done reading about my currently least favourite blond (my most favourite being Edie Falco).