Once again, we've got a woman running the show just the way she wants it - and people aren't happy. But let's just remember the alternative would be deeply dull...
A great post - Blake is getting unfairly treated and you are right to point out that this is just good old fashioned misogyny rearing its ugly head. “She’s happy? Successful? Married with children? Gorgeous? Seems okay? Let’s hate her!” Feels like it was in the works for a while and people are very excited about this hate train… 🤦♀️
"Which is why I hope more stars follow Blake in styling not just themselves but their juniors into mini-me florals and bangles" I hope no, it is a bit controlling. And that's honestly the vibe the whole press tour and promotion for the film gives off. I have to say that I was far more interested in the gossip than the movie itself, but today I went to see it to understand better the controversy. After having read (and watched) so many takes, it is obvious that Blake Lively is presenting this film as if it were a romantic comedy and in fact it kind of looks like that when you watch the film. I'm actually surprised people have said they were shocked when going to the cinema and triggered because, with respect, the story lightly treads over what's supposed to be the main idea. My reaction after the last scene was to laugh (it was spontaneous) because the whole thing was ridiculous (I guess the problem was the source material anyway). However, it was a missed opportunity to do a movie on an important topic and for guidance, perhaps they should have looked at There is Still Tomorrow by Paola Cortellesi, fantastic film highly recommended. But this is Hollywood so instead, whether due to creative differences or egos, this is a forgettable movie about an important topic. The only person who seems to have openly discussed domestic violence as the (very washed down) theme of the film was Justin, who happened to have bought the rights for it after reading the book. I don't think this is a case of double standards - more of standards. The comments on BL instagram are mostly from women calling her out on glamourising the film and being dismissive of questions about domestic violence and talking about her new haircare range, flowers or Deadpool. I wasn't planning to rant so much but BL is completely tone deaf here. I get she wanted her moment in the spotlight, but she could have really used it in a much more impactful way.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply! I do agree people can legitimately have an issue with BL and likewise the film itself. The reaction has just been so outsize in my view that I wonder if some (not all) are quite as bothered by her perceived failings around domestic violence representation and so on, as in the chance to tell someone like her off. It's felt a bit gleeful in some parts, on X if not her Insta comments. I do wonder how many other people will go to see it now because their interest has been piqued - all PR is good PR, in this case?! There Is Still Tomorrow wasn't on my radar, sounds great
I wasn’t planning to have such a rant 😂 I guess finally watching the film helped me understand better how much attention the polemic around it has got for such a “meh” movie, surely the result of the differences in set. Having said that, I’m with you on questioning how women are treated on media for displaying similar behaviours to men as it’s good to call out bias when we see it.
I watched the film last night and I'd read the book. I was so unbelievably bored well into the movie which mainly consisted of her fawning over this Greek God biting her lip and calling him 'Baby' and then his DV being made to look like an accident. It was rubbish and the only thing that saved it was the most gorgeous best friend and beautiful baby and flowers!
Blake however is receiving a lot of the backlash which feels a little unfair really so I need to read up on it all. Certainly does feel like old fashioned misogyny however I do feel there's some truth to the rumours but I'd say it was probably a Ryan decision and shes getting the hate
Hilarious review! I will probably watch it when it comes to streaming - I enjoy most films when I can scroll through the boring bits, lol.
Yes, I think the thing with things like this is that often the people involved have done something / are being fairly seen as annoying - which kind of hides the fact that the reaction can feel outsized and has this pattern of being targeted at women.
A great post - Blake is getting unfairly treated and you are right to point out that this is just good old fashioned misogyny rearing its ugly head. “She’s happy? Successful? Married with children? Gorgeous? Seems okay? Let’s hate her!” Feels like it was in the works for a while and people are very excited about this hate train… 🤦♀️
Thanks Zoe! My feeling too.
(I for one am also loving the absolute commitment to a floral theme)
Woman can be assholes too. And I think that’s totally fine.
True and agree
"Which is why I hope more stars follow Blake in styling not just themselves but their juniors into mini-me florals and bangles" I hope no, it is a bit controlling. And that's honestly the vibe the whole press tour and promotion for the film gives off. I have to say that I was far more interested in the gossip than the movie itself, but today I went to see it to understand better the controversy. After having read (and watched) so many takes, it is obvious that Blake Lively is presenting this film as if it were a romantic comedy and in fact it kind of looks like that when you watch the film. I'm actually surprised people have said they were shocked when going to the cinema and triggered because, with respect, the story lightly treads over what's supposed to be the main idea. My reaction after the last scene was to laugh (it was spontaneous) because the whole thing was ridiculous (I guess the problem was the source material anyway). However, it was a missed opportunity to do a movie on an important topic and for guidance, perhaps they should have looked at There is Still Tomorrow by Paola Cortellesi, fantastic film highly recommended. But this is Hollywood so instead, whether due to creative differences or egos, this is a forgettable movie about an important topic. The only person who seems to have openly discussed domestic violence as the (very washed down) theme of the film was Justin, who happened to have bought the rights for it after reading the book. I don't think this is a case of double standards - more of standards. The comments on BL instagram are mostly from women calling her out on glamourising the film and being dismissive of questions about domestic violence and talking about her new haircare range, flowers or Deadpool. I wasn't planning to rant so much but BL is completely tone deaf here. I get she wanted her moment in the spotlight, but she could have really used it in a much more impactful way.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply! I do agree people can legitimately have an issue with BL and likewise the film itself. The reaction has just been so outsize in my view that I wonder if some (not all) are quite as bothered by her perceived failings around domestic violence representation and so on, as in the chance to tell someone like her off. It's felt a bit gleeful in some parts, on X if not her Insta comments. I do wonder how many other people will go to see it now because their interest has been piqued - all PR is good PR, in this case?! There Is Still Tomorrow wasn't on my radar, sounds great
I wasn’t planning to have such a rant 😂 I guess finally watching the film helped me understand better how much attention the polemic around it has got for such a “meh” movie, surely the result of the differences in set. Having said that, I’m with you on questioning how women are treated on media for displaying similar behaviours to men as it’s good to call out bias when we see it.
I watched the film last night and I'd read the book. I was so unbelievably bored well into the movie which mainly consisted of her fawning over this Greek God biting her lip and calling him 'Baby' and then his DV being made to look like an accident. It was rubbish and the only thing that saved it was the most gorgeous best friend and beautiful baby and flowers!
Blake however is receiving a lot of the backlash which feels a little unfair really so I need to read up on it all. Certainly does feel like old fashioned misogyny however I do feel there's some truth to the rumours but I'd say it was probably a Ryan decision and shes getting the hate
Hilarious review! I will probably watch it when it comes to streaming - I enjoy most films when I can scroll through the boring bits, lol.
Yes, I think the thing with things like this is that often the people involved have done something / are being fairly seen as annoying - which kind of hides the fact that the reaction can feel outsized and has this pattern of being targeted at women.