Warning: SPOILERS !!
I’ve always wondered what it’s like to just be undeniably pretty
There is no denying that social media and the beauty industry as a whole changed the perception of a lot of women about themselves. This results in changing their looks just so that they can fit in the unwritten standards of today’s borderline discriminatory industry. The question is, are these external changes really needed to change everything about ourselves? Is it possible to change everything without changing anything?
Let’s be honest for a minute, no matter how many times we hear “It’s what’s on the inside that matters”, women know deep down that it’s the outside that the world judges
The movie starts off with Renee Barrett – a woman who is insecure about her body, going to a cycle class in attempt to change her physical appearance, only to be bombarded by her insecurities; rare-to-find shoe size, and model material ladies with bodies granted by the oh-so-powerful thing we call genetics.
Binge watching hair and makeup tutorials and Cosmopolitan magazine articles, not to mention she works for a cosmetics company, has warped her notion of what constitutes true beauty.
As she gains consciousness after a funny accident of hitting her head in her cycle class, she thinks she’s been magically transformed to be the most gorgeous “badass-bitch” she’s always dreamed of becoming. But her appearance never actually changed. She thinks she’s unrecognizable now. With this new perception of her self she starts radiating this confidence that led her to many opportunities; landing her dream job at a high-end makeup company, and getting a boyfriend.
Aren’t girls like us so lucky that we can just shop anywhere and we still look fly as hell
This movie is no different from a lot of chick flicks, self-empowering, with the addition of THAT kind of music; Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too”, Lizzo’s “Good as Hell”, and the likes. It’s giving me that “Legally Blonde”, “13 Going 30” kind of movies. It truly is reminiscent of those cheesy feel good movies from the 00’s.
Amy Schumer’s addition to the movie is such a great move on the part of directors. She has long challenged the traditional ideas of femininity, from her stand-up comedy work to films like the amazing “Trainwreck” and her TV series “Inside Amy Schumer”. Its her undeniable sassy, sarcastic approach to roles, as well as her unabashed physicality that made this film a great joy to watch.
I get it, modelling is an option for me
Kohn and Silverstein’s play with lighting and color highlights the hierarchy that is happening not only in terms of social status but as well as beauty standards, in which to me – a lighting and texture nerd, is very appreciated.
Darker and more “sadder” tones representing the lower half of hierarchy, while bright pink and teal representing high status and perfection.
This is very evident even in the earlier parts of the film, when Renee was in their Chinatown basement. We can see Renee’s wanting to be part of the higher half of beauty standards through the subtle use of colors around her; colorful office matched with bright and lively outfits, which is totally opposite to her office mate. This same color palette is also seen in the company she works for.
The idea that Renee suddenly has the confidence she has been wanting all along is not uncommon and is actually a well-worn cliché, but “I Feel Pretty” takes it from a different angle. This is no woe-is-me-I-need-a-make-over comedy. This is no walking down in the streets of Manhattan montage with Selena Gomez’ “Who Says” blasting in the background.
This is about the true issue that lies in true of meaning of the word beauty. We get so caught up with social media’s interpretation of this word. “Beauty” in the industry that Renee works in, values size zero waist, strong jawlines, ceramic white teeth, and silky bouncy hair. Beauty should revolve around being genuine, and true to ourselves. The movie just spent 100 minutes or so trying to show this to the audience. However, the ending truly disappoints me.
In the ending of the movie, the company in which Renee was newly hired did a launch party for a new line of affordable cosmetics that is aimed for everyday women. Renee did a speech talking about self-esteem and the true faces of the product they just launched; real everyday woman.
Because what I am is me, and I’m proud to be me!
Inspirational and cute it may seem at first, this really undermines the premise of “I Feel Pretty”. It suggests that giving into brand marketing and buying the right blush at a low price is the key to happiness – meaning that achieving external beauty first can change how you feel on the inside. This is very contradicting to what the movie is trying to say in its first half.
But this line is for every girl who is ready to believe in herself. You are beautiful and you are the real face of Lily LeClair
Another thing that I found that might be sensitive to some viewers is the movie’s take on Body Dysmorphia. Body Dysmorphia Disorder is a tricky subject in itself, let alone make a comedy out of it. Kohn and Silverstein’s attempt were appreciated though but they really just failed to get the mixture right.
There’s also this labyrinth of confusion in terms of Renee’s self-image – which once again slightly deviates from the theme of self-confidence. If she sees herself as pretty, she is confident and successful but if not she’s sad and turns away from her friends and love? I thought this was about feeling good about yourself no matter what?
The film also tried to paint Grant LeClair (played by Tom Hopper) to be the “villain” by being the guy that tries to hookup with Renee. I find it odd and unnecessary. What’s the point of it if the overall premise of the movie reveals that Renee is her own villain in her life? Unnecessary but well, I guess i'll take it.
Despite these weird inconsistencies I have found while watching the movie a couple of times to write this critique, I do find the movie to be inspiring and empowering. Especially because I, too, struggle with the same body insecurities that the main character has. It managed to give the message that true beauty lies in the inside and that confidence weighs greater than the picture-perfect expectations of this society.
Overall, this movie is your typical cheesy and cringey but sweet movie, but I have to warn you that you will feel a LOT of secondhand embarrassment while watching this film. The directors added this in a comedic way of course, which made the movie more amusing. This movie’s enthusiasm and sassy quirks makes this worth it to watch. 8/10 would recommend.
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