I would like to point out that there are two separate kinds of highs, however. One comparable to a sugar rush, and one a more healthy…sort of rush…the more stable, long-lasting energy you get from healthy food, whats the term for that? Is there a term for that? Bother…well, the second kind of movie-watching high is comparable to that sort of energy, whatever its called. The stance I would like to take on this theory is from a woman’s point of view specifically, because I can’t really say how movies affect guys. That would be another blog entirely.
Continuing on with the movie theatre version of the sugar rush from a woman’s perspective: If the obect of my movie-going experience is a kick-butt, gun-weilding, leather-clad, cleavage-bearing woman with a fit body and serious attitude, three things will happen. First, I will scoff. “What on earth…nobody could walk in that getup, let alone fight in it. What do movie makers take me for? Put her in breathable cotton so she can move about freely, tie her hair back in a ponytail so she can see, and give her a pair of sneakers for the sake of realistic maneuverability.” The second thing that will happen is, admittedly, a bit of an adrenaline rush as she’s fighting the bad guys, because a woman fighting off attackers is pretty cool.
The third thing that will happen is the walk of shame that I take out of the theatre. Because I’m not gorgeous. I don’t have sweet action moves. And other such thoughts of inadequecy, partly because at that point I’m usually stuffed full of popcorn and feeling like a slug, and partly because I know that at some level guys buy into the idea that there are women out there like the one I just saw in the movie and I am wholey inadequate by comparison. Not something I spend large amounts of time worrying about, but the whole thing goes back to two concepts: the comparison “Wow that’s awesome and I’m not” and the basic need of women everywhere to need to feel beautiful. Hot actresses can mess with our heads on a bad day. That’s the crash after the sugar rush. “Great movie, oh now I’m bummed.” And appearance is only one aspect. Didn’t I hear something about a lot of people needing counceling after Avatar because they were bummed because they’re lives were so boring in comparison? (or so they felt).
Happily, there is that healthier movie rush that doesn’t involve the crash afterwards. I just went to see Haywire and was pleased. The heroine wasn’t oozing sex appeal, she was just doing her thing in jeans and, at one point, a tasteful evening gown. The action sequences weren’t stylized or in slow motion, people weren’t accomplishing feats of impossibility, or chasing eachother in cars across half a city. I have to say I did enjoy the one car chase. It was short and sweet and rather original, and even ended with a little humor.
For a female action star I found her character very believable, especially when she was evading her pursuers down alleys and over rooftops. She would scurry cleverly through buildings and then pause to assess her situation and take advantage of the assets that were available to her before scurrying on again. I left the theatre psyched to get more physically fit and work on things like situational awareness and self defense. And driving backwards. There was no sugar crash of “Well, I’ll never be able to fly through the air or rock a leather outfit so I’ll just grab a bag of chips and pop in another movie.” Its great when an action movie psyches me up instead of brings me down. Most action movies insult my intelligence with their unrealism.
I would be interested to read a blog on how action movies affect guys. I asked my brother once why he doesn’t mind violence in movies, even seems to give the impression of thriving on it sometimes (I myself am purely disturbed by violence). Ben’s answer was interesting, and I hate to risk misquoting him. I’ll say that he gave me the impression that watching violence psyched him up to be in the mindset of protecting his family. That makes me wonder...if watching violence in movies stirs up the desire in men to protect, say, their woman, what sort of effect does the leather-clad heroine have on men? Would it be a wild shot in the dark to say that she would emasculate them in some way? If she’s dropping bad guys what’s left for him to do? He certainly doesn’t need to rescue her, she obviously can handle herself.
I guess there’s a line though, because I’m certainly not saying women should be helpless, either. Allow me to graciously let the matter settle on preference. I like a strong female character who can handle herself and not swoon when danger presents itself. Practical, decent, capable, realistic, uses moves that could be attainable to other humans willing to put in the work. I like all of that, it psyches me up. But, call me old-fashioned, because I like the idea of being rescued, too.
If other women reading this experience the highs I was referring to, I would recommend sticking to the action movies that inspire. Guys, I’m just not sure how action movies affect ya’ll. I would love to hear feedback on this one (I always love feedback). Or a reply blog. In conclusion: Haywire: good movie. I’m not saying we should all go be Spartans, but there is fitness to be achieved, and skills to be honed. So go for it! (Cheesy Ahnold quote, for those who caught it).
Yes.
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