AMY SCHUMER HAS a new movie coming out, called I Feel Pretty.
In it, Schumer plays Renee, an ordinary gal who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. After awakening from a fall, she suddenly gains a renewed sense of self-confidence that makes her believe she is the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet.
So far, so Shallow Hal in reverse.
The movie puts itself forward as being a body positive one, and one that wants to poke fun at extremely questionable beauty standards within the industry and beyond.
But the whole premise is a bit problematic. Firstly, it’s worth noting everyone’s perception of what it means to be ‘pretty’ is subjective.
The most glaring oversight here is probably Schumer overlooking that she is the industry’s beauty ideal already, for a number of reasons.
Sofie Hagen / Twitter
Sofie Hagen / Twitter / Twitter
Therefore, the message of this movie seems beyond conflicted. Are audiences really supposed to believe that Schumer’s character is that hideous? Can we really only achieve the nirvana of self-love through concussion? What audience are they trying to appeal to here? Ultimately, the casting of Schumer seems just a cop-out dressed up as diversity?
Then again, it’s not all bad, is it? The trailer does a job in showing that anyone can suffer from low self-esteem – from Renee to her best friend, played by supermodel Emily Ratajkowski. That’s a message that doesn’t need hammering home any less! Also, are we simply holding Schumer to an impossibly high standard as an actor?
The move could be seen as hypocritical though. In the trailer, Schumer’s character is told a store doesn’t stock her particular size. In real life, she’s previously called out a magazine for referring to her as plus size.
Listen, we’ve only seen the trailer. Maybe the actual movie won’t be as bad as everyone is inevitably predicting. And if you don’t fancy seeing it, and think it might just piss you off, then don’t. Life’s too short.
But if you do go and see it, do so with a clear mind and remember that movies don’t always reflect real life.
