What The Viewers Want

Although, Nancy Meyers has multiple accomplished films, one of her most important works was “What Women Want” released in 2000. The movie featured several famous stars, Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt, and Marisa Tomei. The plot revolves around Nick (played by Gibson), a somewhat older man that is handsome, charming, and successful. He is an advertising executive that is slightly sexist, a womanizer, and completely enamored with himself. He thinks he has it all until her finds a few bumps in the road. The promotion he desired was given to his competitor, a woman by the name of Darcy McGuire (played by Helen Hunt). However that is not the only twist, after a freak unexplainable accident. Nick is able to hear the minds of women. At first Nick believes his ability to know what women want is a curse but then he realizes he can use it to his advantage. As he tries to use his gift in his favor, his plan is turned upside down when he actually falls in love with Darcy. The theme of “What Women Want” is similar to ones in Meyers’ other movies. The characters are middle-aged as they find love despite the twists and turns presented to them. The film is a sweet and hysterical comedy and came to be Meyers most commercially successful film. The critic’s reviews however, were scattered ranging from good to terrible. While the Baltimore Sun coined it a “frequently hilarious exercise in one sex desperately trying to figure out the other” while TNT Rough Cut critic Susannah Breslin said, “Shallow characters the audience cares little about, an unbelievable situation rather than a potent plot, and, for those who don’t find men-in-pantyhose or poodle-poop jokes hilarious, not many funny lines”. Although the reviews were mixed, there is no denying the film was a major hit as it grossed over 300 million dollars in international sales. I have seen the film, and although I am not an older woman, I found it charming and amusing. The characters are relatable and the viewer grows to love them despite their faults. Although one might skeptical of this “chick flick”, the film is not one to miss.