MovieChat Forums > Baby Boom (1987) Discussion > Is this film anti-femenist?

Is this film anti-femenist?

posted 17 years ago by petekrug17
45 replies | jump to latest

While this film is funny and certainly charming, it's plot boils down to this: J.C. is a woman who chose to pursue a career and NOT have a family. But then she has the job of caring for a baby girl forced on her. She makes the mistake of signing a contract without reading it, then frantically tries to talk the British woman out of making her take Elizabeth, but has the kid dumped on her anyway. Now I thought one of the themes of femenizem was that a woman should be allowed to decide what kind of life she wants, and that she shouldn't be made to feel like she has to have and raise children. Yet that's kind of what happens here.

[–] kleary1 8 years ago

Since there are so many comments, I will likely be repeating things. Just re-watched for the umpteenth time. I just always enjoy this movie so much. I don't know if it's because Diane Keaton is in her prime or because it reminds me of myself so much (haha--I'm just like Diane Keaton...I wish). But I kind of was J.C., right in the same timeframe. I even dressed so similarly it makes me laugh every time. You must admit, if anyone could pull off the big shoulders/nipped waist look, Diane Keaton could (and I could too actually).

I was thinking as I started watching, this is going to seem dated, but it really didn't. It's a product of the 80's for sure, but what J.C. says in the final boardroom scene is still so relevant. Fritz told her what she would have to give up to be successful, she couldn't have it all, and she says, nobody should have to do that. Says it very emphatically and it's so true, even more so today. Women AND men should be able to have careers, be successful and not have to choose that over having a happy family. No one was saying, if you don't want kids and don't want a family, there's a problem--but if you do want a family, you should be able to do it without being miserable. And she also says--if Foodwhatever can put Country Baby on every shelf in America, so can I--if that isn't feminist, I don't know what is.

[–] TerrorTribble 8 years ago

No one was saying, if you don't want kids and don't want a family, there's a problem--but if you do want a family, you should be able to do it without being miserable.

I'm right there with you. It's speaking to us as a society, why do we have to make everything such a "rat race" (as she puts it)? Everything's a competition, even making sure your fetus gets into the right prep school. It's no wonder people crack up. We need balance in our lives. It's a necessity, not a luxury.

[–] louiseculmer 8 years ago

I think it is actually a 'feminist fantasy. J.C. Ends up having it all - a child, a successful business and a gorgeous man as well. After all, she does not have to keep the child, she could have her adopted. But she chooses to keep her.