The 1986 film What Every Frenchwoman Wants, starring the late, great British comedian Frankie Howerd, isn’t a sociological study offering definitive answers to female desire; rather, it’s a chaotic, farcical exploration of stereotypes and misunderstandings, more interested in laughs than accurate representations. However, beneath the layers of slapstick and questionable humor lies a commentary, albeit dated and problematic, on societal expectations surrounding romance, status, and the perpetual struggle to reconcile personal freedom with perceived social obligations.
The Illusion of Frenchwoman’s Desire
The film’s title immediately poses a challenge. To assume a collective desire for every Frenchwoman is, of course, absurd. The comedy plays upon this very presumption, leveraging broad stereotypes of French culture and relationships to create humorous situations. In reality, the film uses the perceived “French” sensibility – often characterized by romance, sophistication, and a certain je ne sais quoi – as a backdrop for Howerd’s bumbling antics and a series of misunderstandings.
The core narrative revolves around Howerd’s character, a middle-aged Englishman, inheriting a French château and attempting to navigate the complexities of French society, specifically romantic relationships. The film suggests that “what every Frenchwoman wants” is a combination of things: financial security, social status, romantic attention, and perhaps most importantly, someone who understands and appreciates their unique cultural nuances – even if those nuances are exaggerated for comedic effect.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the film is a product of its time. Its portrayal of women, particularly French women, relies heavily on outdated tropes and potentially offensive generalizations. Instead of offering genuine insight, What Every Frenchwoman Wants reinforces pre-existing stereotypes for comedic effect, ultimately failing to provide a meaningful exploration of female desire. The real “desire,” perhaps, is for the film itself to be understood as a reflection of its era, not as a timeless truth.
Unpacking the Humor: A Product of its Time
The humor largely stems from the clash of cultures. Howerd’s character, steeped in British sensibilities, finds himself bewildered by the perceived sophistication and liberal attitudes towards relationships in France. This cultural disconnect provides the comedic framework for much of the film’s slapstick and double entendre.
However, the film’s humor doesn’t always age well. Some jokes rely on outdated and potentially offensive stereotypes about both the French and women in general. What might have been considered lighthearted and amusing in 1986 can easily be viewed as problematic and insensitive by today’s standards. It’s essential to approach the film with a critical eye, recognizing its historical context and acknowledging the potential harm in perpetuating stereotypes.
Analyzing the “French” Stereotypes
The film reinforces several common stereotypes about French women:
- Sophistication: They are portrayed as effortlessly chic and refined, possessing an innate sense of style and elegance.
- Romanticism: They are depicted as inherently romantic, valuing passion and emotional connection in relationships.
- Liberal Attitudes: They are portrayed as having a more open and accepting attitude towards sex and relationships compared to their British counterparts.
While these stereotypes may have some basis in reality for certain individuals, they are ultimately generalizations that fail to capture the diversity and complexity of French womanhood. The film’s reliance on these stereotypes simplifies its characters and reduces them to caricatures, ultimately detracting from any genuine exploration of their desires.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into What Every Frenchwoman Wants
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities of the movie.
H3: 1. Is What Every Frenchwoman Wants a Feminist Film?
Absolutely not. The film relies heavily on stereotypical portrayals of women and their desires, often reducing them to objects of male gaze and reinforcing outdated gender roles. It lacks any genuine attempt to explore female empowerment or challenge societal norms. In short, it’s far from a feminist manifesto.
H3: 2. What is Frankie Howerd’s role in the film and how does he portray the “outsider” perspective?
Howerd plays a bumbling, awkward Englishman named Errington, who inherits a French chateau. He serves as the comedic “outsider,” whose misunderstandings and cultural gaffes drive much of the film’s humor. He embodies the stereotypical British awkwardness contrasted against the perceived French sophistication.
H3: 3. How does the film depict French culture beyond just the romantic aspect?
Beyond romance, the film touches upon aspects of French social life, such as the importance of family, the rigid class system, and the value placed on appearances. However, these portrayals are often exaggerated for comedic effect and don’t offer a nuanced or accurate representation of French society.
H3: 4. What are the most memorable scenes from the movie?
Memorable scenes often involve Howerd’s character getting into ridiculous situations due to his cultural misunderstandings, slapstick involving mistaken identities, and awkward attempts at seduction that backfire spectacularly.
H3: 5. How does the movie compare to other comedies of the 1980s?
Compared to other comedies of the 80s, What Every Frenchwoman Wants is considered less sophisticated and more reliant on broad humor and slapstick. While many comedies of the era pushed boundaries, this film sticks to safer, albeit often problematic, comedic tropes.
H3: 6. What is the overall critical reception of What Every Frenchwoman Wants?
The film generally received poor reviews. Critics often cited its reliance on tired stereotypes, its weak plot, and its unfunny humor. It is not considered a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch.
H3: 7. Does the film offer any genuine insights into relationships?
No, it primarily uses relationships as a vehicle for comedic misunderstandings and reinforces stereotypical gender roles. Any perceived “insights” are superficial at best and often rooted in outdated attitudes.
H3: 8. Who are the supporting actors, and what role do they play in highlighting the cultural clash?
Supporting actors, often playing French characters, contribute to the cultural clash by embodying the perceived sophistication and “open-mindedness” that Howerd’s character finds so perplexing. They often serve as the straight men to his comedic antics.
H3: 9. What is the significance of the setting in France?
The French setting provides the backdrop for the cultural clash and allows the film to exploit stereotypes about French culture, romance, and sophistication. The inherent “Frenchness” is central to the plot and humor, albeit in a stereotypical way.
H3: 10. Is the film considered offensive by today’s standards?
Potentially, yes. The film relies heavily on stereotypes and potentially offensive generalizations about both the French and women. Viewers sensitive to these issues may find the film uncomfortable or even offensive.
H3: 11. Where can someone watch What Every Frenchwoman Wants today?
The availability of the film on streaming services can vary. Check major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or look for physical copies through online retailers.
H3: 12. What should viewers keep in mind when watching this film?
Viewers should remember that What Every Frenchwoman Wants is a product of its time and reflects the societal attitudes and comedic sensibilities of the 1980s. Approach it with a critical eye, acknowledging the potential for stereotypes and outdated humor, and understand that it’s more of a historical artifact than a timeless masterpiece. The goal isn’t to learn what Frenchwomen actually want, but to analyze how they were portrayed in a specific comedic context.