“What Men Want” (2019), a gender-swapped reimagining of the classic “What Women Want,” ultimately reveals that communication, empathy, and vulnerability are universal human needs, regardless of gender. While the movie utilizes a comedic premise of Alison Brie’s character, Ali Davis, gaining the ability to hear men’s thoughts, its core message highlights the importance of genuine connection and understanding in professional and personal relationships.
Beyond the Comedy: The Core Themes of “What Men Want”
The initial comedic charm of “What Men Want” lies in the role reversal. We see Ali Davis, a successful sports agent, grapple with her newfound ability to eavesdrop on the unfiltered thoughts of the men around her. However, beneath the surface of witty banter and exaggerated scenarios, the film explores deeper themes about ambition, insecurity, and the challenges of navigating a male-dominated world. The movie implicitly critiques societal pressures on men to suppress their emotions and maintain a facade of invulnerability, ultimately demonstrating how liberating it can be for them (and for those around them) to express their true feelings. Ali’s journey underscores that understanding – regardless of how it’s achieved, in this case, through a magical ability – is paramount in building strong, authentic relationships.
The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability
The film showcases how men, often portrayed as stoic and driven, are also vulnerable and experience insecurities, doubts, and fears. Ali’s ability to hear their thoughts allows her (and the audience) to see beyond the surface, fostering empathy and challenging preconceived notions about masculinity. For instance, she discovers that her seemingly confident male colleagues are battling anxieties about job security, feeling overlooked, and struggling to balance work and family life. This realization helps her build stronger alliances and advocate for their needs, ultimately benefiting the entire team.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes in the Workplace
“What Men Want” directly addresses the pervasive issue of gender inequality in the workplace. Ali’s struggles as a female sports agent in a predominantly male field are relatable and highlight the challenges women face in asserting themselves and breaking through the glass ceiling. The film indirectly critiques the behaviors and attitudes that perpetuate these inequalities, such as mansplaining, tokenism, and the pressure to conform to male-dominated workplace culture. By showcasing Ali’s success in leveraging her newfound understanding of men’s perspectives, the movie offers a (albeit fantastical) path towards a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
Unpacking the Key Questions: FAQs About “What Men Want”
Here are some frequently asked questions that further explore the complexities and nuances presented in “What Men Want”:
FAQ 1: Is “What Men Want” just a gender-swapped remake?
While “What Men Want” is indeed inspired by “What Women Want,” it’s more than just a simple remake. The film uses the same premise – someone gaining the ability to read the minds of the opposite sex – but explores different themes and nuances relevant to a contemporary audience. The focus shifts from understanding women’s consumer preferences to exploring the complexities of male emotions and challenging gender stereotypes in the workplace. The context of 2019 adds a layer of social commentary about gender dynamics, power structures, and the ongoing conversation about equality.
FAQ 2: What’s the central conflict Ali faces in the film?
Ali’s primary conflict revolves around her ambition to become a partner at her sports agency and her struggle to navigate the male-dominated environment. She faces constant challenges in proving her worth, earning respect, and breaking through the glass ceiling. Her ability to hear men’s thoughts provides her with an unfair advantage, but she must also grapple with the ethical implications of using this ability and learn to build genuine connections based on trust and respect, not just mind-reading. The conflict is both professional and personal, forcing Ali to confront her own insecurities and biases.
FAQ 3: How does Ali’s newfound ability actually help her?
Ali’s ability to hear men’s thoughts provides her with unprecedented access to their desires, fears, and motivations. This allows her to strategize more effectively, negotiate better deals, and build stronger relationships with her clients and colleagues. For example, she can anticipate their needs, address their concerns, and tailor her approach to resonate with them on a deeper level. However, the film also highlights the pitfalls of relying solely on this ability and the importance of authenticity and genuine human connection.
FAQ 4: What are some of the negative consequences of Ali’s ability?
While her ability provides her with advantages, it also comes with negative consequences. The constant influx of thoughts can be overwhelming and distracting, leading to stress and anxiety. She also struggles with the ethical dilemma of eavesdropping on private thoughts and the temptation to manipulate others for her own gain. The film shows that knowledge without integrity can be detrimental to both herself and those around her.
FAQ 5: Does the movie offer a realistic portrayal of male emotions?
“What Men Want” uses comedic exaggeration to explore male emotions, so it’s not entirely realistic. However, it does touch upon universal experiences such as insecurity, fear of failure, the pressure to provide, and the desire for validation. While the movie might oversimplify some aspects of male psychology, it offers a starting point for conversations about male vulnerability and the importance of challenging traditional notions of masculinity.
FAQ 6: How does the film address the issue of toxic masculinity?
While not explicitly using the term “toxic masculinity,” the movie implicitly critiques aspects of it by showcasing the negative consequences of suppressing emotions and conforming to rigid gender roles. Some male characters are portrayed as arrogant, competitive, and emotionally detached, which contributes to a toxic work environment. By contrast, other characters demonstrate vulnerability and emotional intelligence, suggesting a more positive and healthy model of masculinity. The film encourages viewers to question and challenge harmful stereotypes.
FAQ 7: What’s the significance of the relationship between Ali and her assistant, Brandon?
The relationship between Ali and her assistant, Brandon, is significant because it demonstrates the power of genuine connection and mentorship. Brandon provides Ali with emotional support, honest feedback, and a different perspective on the world. He is also portrayed as intelligent and ambitious, challenging Ali’s initial assumptions about him. Their relationship highlights the importance of breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering supportive relationships in the workplace.
FAQ 8: What’s the overall message of “What Men Want” regarding relationships?
The film emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and vulnerability in building healthy and fulfilling relationships. It suggests that understanding each other’s perspectives, regardless of gender, is crucial for resolving conflicts and fostering deeper connections. The film ultimately advocates for authenticity and genuine human connection over manipulation and deception.
FAQ 9: How does the ending of the movie resolve Ali’s internal conflict?
By the end of the movie, Ali learns to let go of her reliance on her mind-reading ability and embrace genuine connection. She realizes that true success comes not from manipulating others but from building trust and working collaboratively. She also confronts her own insecurities and learns to be more vulnerable, allowing her to form more authentic relationships. The ending signifies her personal growth and her embrace of a more ethical and fulfilling approach to her career and relationships.
FAQ 10: What are the comedic elements of “What Men Want” that stand out?
The comedic elements in “What Men Want” primarily stem from the exaggerated scenarios involving Ali eavesdropping on men’s thoughts. The film utilizes slapstick humor, witty banter, and humorous situations to create a lighthearted and entertaining experience. The contrast between the men’s outward appearances and their inner thoughts is often played for laughs, highlighting the absurdity of societal expectations. The comedy serves as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes and messages.
FAQ 11: Is “What Men Want” a feminist movie?
While the film has feminist undertones, it’s not explicitly a feminist manifesto. It addresses issues of gender inequality in the workplace and challenges traditional gender stereotypes, which aligns with feminist principles. However, it also acknowledges the complexities of male emotions and the pressures men face, suggesting a more nuanced perspective on gender dynamics. The film promotes gender equality and encourages viewers to question societal norms.
FAQ 12: What’s the lasting impact or message of “What Men Want”?
The lasting impact of “What Men Want” is its reminder that genuine human connection is built on empathy, vulnerability, and open communication. The film encourages viewers to challenge their own biases, question societal expectations, and embrace authenticity in their relationships. While the premise is fantastical, the underlying message about the importance of understanding and respecting each other is universally relevant. The movie advocates for a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone feels empowered to express their true selves.