Last month we discussed feminist angst over summer blockbuster, Jurassic World. Evidently, the film’s traditional gender roles were another tool of the patriarchy to keep women in the kitchen… or something.
It should be noted that in an age where gender roles are a matter of choice, if one chooses to go the traditional route, the decision should be applauded. But when has any leftist faction ever employed ideological consistency?
In any case, back to Jurassic World.
If you enjoyed Jurassic Park, you’ll love Jurassic World. I fully expected a modern redux of the original dino-park dream turn nightmare, but was pleasantly surprised. Jurassic World holds its own with plenty of subtle and not so subtle nods to its predecessor.
Before the film hit the silver screen, there was much ado about the film’s traditional gender roles — at least among the feminists. Based on the trailer alone, they decried the portrayal of a stiff-shirted woman who needed the help of a man (heaven forbid!).
Watching the film in its entirety, some of that holds true. Sort of.
Yes, the female lead “Claire”, played by Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter or Ron Howard), was a “stiff” character. But despite her stodgy, control-freak persona, Claire is also the brains behind Jurassic World seeing as she runs the whole shebang. One would think a strong, talented, successful female character would be a point for feminists.
Claire’s nephews board a plane for Costa Rica where they’re supposed to spend time with their career-driven aunt whom they haven’t seen in seven years. But Claire’s dedication to running Jurassic World requires that she leave her nephews in the care of her inattentive assistant. The boys escape custody of their British babysitter and wander off right around the time a security situation arises. It’s at this point that Claire turns to Owen (played by leading man, Chris Pratt) for help.
Before mounting a rescue effort, Owen asks Claire to describe her nephews. Claire’s poor attempt to do so reveals she doesn’t know how old her nephews are. She’s been far too busy with work to pay attention to her family, you see. (Point for traditionalists?).
Claire and Owen set off to find the boys. Perhaps had Claire ventured off on her own without the accompaniment of a male dinosaur behavioral expert, that would be feminist approved? There is an incident during Claire and Owen’s adventure-filled nephew-finding-quest where Claire grabs a gun and angrily shoots a beast that’s relentlessly attacking Owen. But she used a gun and not a hashtag, so that’s probably a point for right-wingers.
In the end, Claire and Owen ultimately save the boys and the lives of park goers. But since a man and a woman worked together as a team, that’s probably at least 15 points for traditionalists.
For those that care, Jurassic World scores big on the traditionalist stage. For those that don’t (this includes me), go see the movie. It’s wildly entertaining, chock-full of action and there are dinosaurs aplenty. What more could you ask for in a summer flick?
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