Jack Smith is an avant-garde filmmaker best known for his short film “Scorpio Rising.” We discussed the film in a class once in relation to a variety of concepts within the avant-garde filmmaking process. One the most crucial concepts was called “camp.” Most of us are familiar with this concept from a variety of sources. However what made Jack Smith different was his theory on why camp exists. His theory is that the artificiality of camp is a comment on the artificiality of heteronormative society. And perhaps you may accuse me of being an apologist, but to me Sex and the City: The Movie celebrates this artificiality and materialism to in some way note the artificiality and the “labels” of expected polite societal constructs. In other words in the places where Sex and the City is somewhat shallow it is being no more shallow then society as a whole. Yes every scene of the film was an advertisement for some product, everything from cars and water to of course the fancy shoes and dresses, but it does this without irony and without apology and in some crazy and decidedly capitalist sense of the word embraces its own nature admirably. Now that that serious part of the review is over, let’s wallow like a pig in the entertainment that this glorious film truly is. I am a fan of the show and if you are not a fan of the show two things are likely to happen. One, you fall in love with these amazing women and their men and you are forced to run out and buy the seasons. Or, two you’re confused, scratch your head and wonder if that Hancock flick will be any good.
The story is simple and cliché. Carrie Bradshaw, our love writer, hero superwomen is about to write a book about what happens after you find the person that is supposed to be the love of your life. And that theme, of looking beyond the fairy tale endings is a prominent feature in all of the story lines. For Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) it is about reconciling between expectations and reality. For Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) it’s about dealing with a loss of trust with your fairy tale prince, Steve (David Eigenberg.) For Samantha (Kim Catrall) it is about embracing her “inner princess” and deciding to live honestly. And for
Ultimately the film breaks no cinematic ground, says nothing new about society or in fact serves any purpose other than to entertain us. And ultimately is that not what we fans kind of wanted anyway? Perhaps we can lament the fact the television show did break ground, where the movie does not. The show was a groundbreaking, frank depiction of sex and the single women, but the movie is something we have seen before. This fact and the fact that Anthony (Mario Catone) is in the film are the only negatives that come to mind.
Before I leave this review I want to make mention of one more thing. The idea that your gender or sexuality should be responsible for deciding whether or not you are allowed to enjoy a film is stupid. I know it makes for a good joke, but there are most assuredly straight men everywhere who will find something to enjoy in this film, even if it is only boobs.
Oh and one more thing. I freaking’ love Jennifer Hudson’s performance. I know there are many people who did not, but I quite liked it and look forward to whatever else she may have planned in her acting or singing future.
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