While A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was certainly very sexist I would argue that one can not view the sexism in that harsh a light. First of all, this movie was made during a time when sexism was more prominent. Secondly, it alludes to the very sexist ancient Romans. Finally, the material is parody humor. The movie knows it's being sexist, with scenes like the virgin singing of her knowledge of only love, and it mocks the sexism, turning it up to eleven in the courtesans scene. The sardonic wit of the play makes fun of societies views, and, while it may fail the Bechdel test, is it really a negative thing? What strong society can't laugh at itself?
As far as today, I think there is still a prominent issue of sexism and that it still exists within our societal conscious, if weakened since the 1960s. My suggesting to combat this would be to have more sardonic and controversial comedy challenging sexism and gender roles.
The question you pose about "what strong society can't laugh at itself?" is very intriguing to me. It makes perfect sense, by acknowledging a mistake or flaw, the society as a whole could accept it and then begin to fix it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that the movie knowingly being sexist and playing it up makes all the difference. It makes it more of an entertaining observation on society, and would likely only offend the very up-tight and humorless.
ReplyDeleteI like how you pointed this out. The humor within the movie definitely exaggerated sexism to a degree that can be considered as "making fun of." In the article we read, the fact that the mute courtesan was able to throw the trident and save her man from the evil gladiator was brought up. I think that this point definitely defends your argument.
ReplyDelete