“What About Pat?” is more than just a quirky comedy about mistaken gender identity. It’s a satirical examination of societal assumptions, the anxieties surrounding gender roles, and the often-absurd lengths people will go to avoid confronting their own biases. The film’s enduring power lies in its deliberate ambiguity, forcing viewers to confront their preconceived notions about gender and challenging the rigid binary constructs that often limit our understanding of identity.
The Core of the Question: Decoding Pat’s Identity (or Lack Thereof)
The central question of “What About Pat?” isn’t necessarily “what is Pat?”, but rather, “why does it matter so much to everyone else?”. The film deliberately withholds definitive information about Pat’s assigned sex or gender identity, and the reason for this is crucial. The focus isn’t on Pat’s internal experience but on the reaction of the surrounding characters. The film satirizes the obsession people have with labeling and categorizing individuals, particularly when it comes to gender.
Pat’s ambiguity isn’t a mystery to be solved; it’s a mirror reflecting societal anxieties. The characters’ discomfort, speculation, and even paranoia regarding Pat’s gender reveal more about them than about Pat. They are driven by a need for certainty, a desire to neatly categorize and understand the world around them. Pat, however, disrupts this neat categorization, forcing them to confront the limits of their own understanding and biases. The film suggests that perhaps the most important question isn’t what Pat is, but why our culture is so obsessed with knowing. Ultimately, the answer is that Pat is a reflection of our society’s anxieties about gender roles and the binary system we impose on individuals.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Ambiguity
The film’s creators, including director Adam Bernstein and writer Jim Emerson, consciously avoided offering any definitive answer to the question of Pat’s gender. This was a deliberate artistic choice designed to provoke thought and discussion. Julia Sweeney’s portrayal of Pat further enhanced this ambiguity. Sweeney, known for her androgynous appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” embodied the character in a way that defied easy categorization. Her performance allowed viewers to project their own assumptions and biases onto Pat, further highlighting the film’s central theme.
Intentional Design
The ambiguity wasn’t accidental; it was meticulously crafted. The film uses visual cues, dialogue, and narrative structure to deliberately obfuscate any clear indication of Pat’s gender. This creates a sense of unease and uncertainty in the audience, mirroring the characters’ own confusion and frustration. The constant questioning and speculation surrounding Pat’s gender become a running gag, but beneath the humor lies a sharp commentary on societal norms and expectations.
The Power of Subtlety
The film’s subtlety is key to its effectiveness. It avoids heavy-handed pronouncements or moralizing. Instead, it uses humor and satire to expose the absurdity of the situation and encourage viewers to question their own assumptions. The ambiguity surrounding Pat’s gender is not simply a plot device; it’s a tool for social commentary.
Impact and Legacy: A Lasting Conversation
“What About Pat?” was initially met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised its clever satire and thought-provoking themes, while others found it confusing or even offensive. However, the film has since gained a cult following and is now recognized as a pioneering work in exploring themes of gender identity and societal biases. It sparked conversations about the limitations of the gender binary and the importance of challenging traditional norms. The film’s legacy continues to influence discussions about gender, identity, and social acceptance.
Cult Following and Enduring Relevance
Despite its initial reception, “What About Pat?” has developed a dedicated cult following. Its themes continue to resonate with audiences, particularly those who feel marginalized or misunderstood. The film’s ability to provoke thought and encourage self-reflection has made it a valuable tool for education and advocacy. In an increasingly diverse and inclusive world, the questions raised by “What About Pat?” remain as relevant as ever.
Broader Cultural Influence
The film’s influence extends beyond its immediate audience. It has been cited in academic studies, discussed in media outlets, and referenced in other works of art. “What About Pat?” helped pave the way for more nuanced and complex representations of gender identity in popular culture. It challenged filmmakers and writers to move beyond simplistic stereotypes and explore the multifaceted nature of human identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Pat intentionally designed to be androgynous?
Yes, Pat was intentionally designed to be androgynous. The creators aimed to create a character whose gender was ambiguous, forcing viewers to confront their own assumptions and biases about gender roles and expectations. The androgynous appearance, mannerisms, and ambiguous dialogue were all carefully crafted to achieve this effect.
2. What was Julia Sweeney’s perspective on playing Pat?
Julia Sweeney has spoken extensively about her role as Pat, emphasizing that she never defined Pat’s gender internally. She approached the character as someone who simply existed outside of conventional gender norms, allowing the audience to project their own interpretations onto Pat. She embraced the ambiguity and used it to highlight the absurdity of societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles.
3. Did the film intend to offend any particular group?
The film’s intention was not to offend any particular group, but rather to satirize societal attitudes and anxieties surrounding gender identity. While some viewers may have found the humor offensive, the film’s core message is one of acceptance and understanding. It aims to challenge prejudice and encourage viewers to question their own biases.
4. Is Pat transgender, non-binary, or something else entirely?
The film deliberately avoids labeling Pat with any specific identity. The ambiguity is intentional. The point isn’t what Pat “is” but how society reacts to someone who doesn’t fit neatly into pre-defined categories. Pat could be interpreted as transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, or simply someone who defies categorization altogether.
5. Why is it so important for the other characters to know Pat’s gender?
The other characters’ obsession with knowing Pat’s gender highlights the societal need to categorize and label individuals. This need stems from a desire for certainty and control. By knowing someone’s gender, people feel they can better understand and relate to them. However, the film suggests that this need for categorization is often misguided and can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
6. How does “What About Pat?” contribute to discussions about gender fluidity?
“What About Pat?” predates the widespread use of terms like “gender fluid” and “non-binary,” but it certainly contributed to the early conversations. By presenting a character who exists outside of the traditional gender binary, the film challenged the notion that gender is fixed and immutable. It opened the door for a greater understanding and acceptance of gender fluidity.
7. What are some of the most memorable scenes that highlight the film’s themes?
Several scenes stand out as particularly poignant examples of the film’s themes. The repeated attempts by Chris and Kyle to determine Pat’s gender, the competitive nature of their obsession, and the absurd lengths they go to in their pursuit of answers all highlight the societal pressure to conform to gender norms. The scene where Pat is ridiculed for using the “wrong” bathroom is also particularly impactful.
8. What are some criticisms of “What About Pat?”
Some criticisms of “What About Pat?” include the argument that it reinforces stereotypes about androgynous individuals and that its humor is sometimes at the expense of gender non-conforming people. Some viewers also found the film’s ambiguity frustrating or confusing.
9. Has the film’s message changed over time?
While the film’s core message of challenging societal biases remains relevant, its interpretation has evolved over time. As awareness of gender identity and expression has grown, the film is now often viewed through a more nuanced and informed lens. This allows for a deeper understanding of its themes and a greater appreciation of its contributions to the conversation about gender.
10. What is the significance of the ending, which offers no resolution about Pat’s gender?
The lack of resolution about Pat’s gender at the end of the film is deliberate and significant. It reinforces the idea that Pat’s identity is not the most important thing. The film’s ending challenges viewers to accept Pat for who they are, regardless of their gender. It also suggests that the obsession with labeling and categorizing individuals is ultimately futile and that true understanding comes from acceptance and empathy.
11. What other movies or TV shows explore similar themes as “What About Pat?”
Other films and TV shows that explore similar themes include “Tootsie,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Transparent,” and “Pose.” These works often use humor and satire to challenge societal norms and promote greater understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities and expressions.
12. Where can I watch “What About Pat?”
“What About Pat?” is available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube (often for purchase or rental). It can also sometimes be found on DVD or Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region.