Let’s just get the tangent out of the way:
What is the actual definition of a Chick Flick, anyways? The name obviously denotes a female-centric storyline, but since the term is used disparagingly, there has to be more to it than that, right? I mean, we’re not such a completely sexist society to believe that anything the aims to focus on the concerns of women is ripe for mockery. I mean, what are we, Spartans? Am I right?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Is this thing on?
I think the common interpretation of Chick Flick is usually tied in with Jane Austen adaptations (which are fine) or Meg Ryan comedies (which are plotted by Psychic Manatees), but this seems limiting. If all the genre has to offer is lovelorn ladies seeking the adoration of a man (who usually starts out as an enemy) then female-centered cinema is in trouble. Maybe I’m missing something, but this doesn’t seem progressive at all. It’s archaic to have movies where the end-all-be-all of the main female character’s existence is to snatch that man up and get him to the alter. Because a woman’s life is shallow and empty without marriage.
So, what’s my favorite Chick Flick? Is it Sleepless in Seattle? or Steel Magnolias? Ohohohohohoh…I know. How about Titanic?
Kill Bill (2003 & 2004)
How does this qualify as a Chick Flick? Obviously, it isn’t set in New York City to a soundtrack of the latest NPR approved girl singer (how are you doing over there Adele and Florence + the Machine?) and there mights be a couple of gallons more blood than in the Sex & The City movies. But, even within the narrow confines of most people’s perceptions of what a chick flick is, this movie makes a strong case for having many of the trappings of the genre.
Strong female lead character? Check.
Romance problems? Check.
Supporting cast of equally strong female characters? Check.
Woman done wrong by a jealous lover? Check.
Had her Daughter taken away from her by an abusive lover? Check.
Mother/daughter bonding? Check.
Sentimental tear-jerking? Sure, why not?
Woman spends movie trying to “get that guy”? Check.
Um….lots of outfit changes? Check?
There’s even a wedding scene.
Sure, I’m being a little sarcastic, but only a little. Kill Bill is dominated by women. The main villain may be Bill, but to get to him, Uma Thurman has to cut her way through three intelligent and deadly women. One is even the head of the freakin’ Yakuza. Most of the main female characters are clever in ways that a character in a typical Jennifer Aniston rom-com could never be. The woman are strong and show that they are not only the match of any man in their world, but the better. Go Girl power. Or Chick Power, I guess.
