By Open Book
The film Project X opened in theaters this weekend. The film marketed primarily to young adult male audiences is rated R and moviegoers have to be 21 or older to see the film. So what’s the big deal? This film comes out during a time when women in America are asking for better representation in the media. Sure this has been an ongoing argument between women and Hollywood for a while now. However, to start off the New Year, the producers of Project X seem to be thumbing their noses at feminist everywhere claiming their bringing reality TV to the big screen. Could the negative depiction of young girls influence a whole new generation of men who devalue women? The site feministfrequency.com analyzed film studios 2011 report card regarding women’s roles in film and surprisingly only one film passed the Bechdel Test. In this article we will look at the trailer for Project X and see if it would pass or fail the Bechdel Test. Plus discuss Reality TV, scandal media culture being brought to the big screen.
- Warner Brothers who claimed leading ladies were box office poison (not so long ago) has put out a new film entitled Project X. Please see trailer.
- The video below explains the Bechdel Test and how Hollywood measured up last year.
- In a recent interview from the producer and director of Project X they kept referring to the reality and authenticity of the film. According to the director this film is based off of actual events. The cast was made up of mostly extras and music was carefully selected to appeal to a seventeen-year old demographic.
- Please see the second video below of the cast explaining what they appreciated most about working on this film. One-actor states; “I appreciated working with women who had no cellulite on them.” Here’s the irony about that statement. The young man who made that comment appears to have a weight problem. Take a look for yourself.
Gosh not much has changed for young women today? Are filmmakers taking advantage of teen’s poor self-image by claiming its reality and therefore absolving them of any responsibility? What are your thoughts?
Please join our discussion on Tuesday: 3/6/2012@7pmE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
OB,
I cannot thank you enough for this article. I was really hoping it would be discussed. I can’t watch the videos right now because the captions alone have me raging. I will be at the discussion, but I cannot guarantee much participation if I haven’t calmed down by then.
Absolutely deplorable, sick, sexist, degrading, and vile. Karma, you have a big job ahead!!!
filmmakers are claiming it’s reality so they can make filth. Why not do reality on kids working at a dog shelter? Why not do reality on teens doing service projects for those whose towns have been destroyed? Because it’s not raunchy and “sexy” that’s why.
U are welcome LB!!
I hope u will be able to join in the discussion. Sorry to upset u…I just wanted consumers (especially women) to be aware of what they are endorsing if they see this film.
OB,
YOU have not upset me. 🙂 It’s society that has. I love the article regardless and agree that women need to be aware of what they are endorsing if they see the film.
Ok. That’s it. I’ve had it. Gloves are OFF!
Everyone needs to see The Lorax! This movie is about how greed and pride are what’s destroying our society (ok, the trees, but you have to look at the bigger picture). We have all been given a “seed” that can make a positive difference in this world. The featured song “Let it Grow” wraps up the message perfectly!
We don’t have to let this tripe (above article) take over! There are filmmakers who are trying to send us the message that we are better than this.
PS. The longer more complete version of this song isn’t available to post.
Love this video LB!! Very hopeful and uplifting. I can’t wait to see this film.
WE are going again tonight with my daughter. It is absolutely impossible to leave the theater without smiling, singing, and feeling joyous and hopeful.
Honestly the trailer for Project X physically made me ill, depressed, and hopeless.
Unbelievable.
Yeah!! The one actor who made that statement about women in the video is a real catch…..What’s his number? I’d like to send him a present!! LOL!!
Just send him one of Minny’s special pies. 🙂
Your BAD!! Note to self. Never get on LB’s bad side. LOL!!
HAHAHAHA!! 😉
… and worse than expected.
Something to think about before the discussion. I wrote this article not to preach to teens on the dangers of drunk driving, alcohol poisoning, binge drinking, valuing women etc…
The point of this article was to discuss social responsibility. We are individuals when we come into this world. Yet, when accidents happen we find ourselves turning to family, friends and neighbors for support and understanding. When we are young we don’t think of the consequences of our actions or how they may impact others because many teens have adults who take care of them. However, as adults we owe it to kids to teach them social responsibility so they can be a full contributing member of society. So they can become a person who will make a difference in the world for the greater good rather than the greater bad.
Unfortunately, the ADULTS who made this film. Warner Brothers for example, has had a history of not respecting women. So it’s no big shocker they would put out a film that sensationalizes behavior that promotes in teens irresponsibility and entitlement. Sure the filmmaker can hide behind the term “REALITY” but the “TRUTH” is they are exploiting impressionable, poor self-image teens who don’t have access to positive role models in their community. I wonder if Warner Brothers will pick up the bill if teens who see this film choose to replicate some of the behavior and get in trouble or need help?
OB said:I wonder if Warner Brothers will pick up the bill if teens who see this film choose to replicate some of the behavior and get in trouble or need help?
Me: Oh no. They aren’t responsible. Didn’t you know that? *dripping with sarcasm*
So sad but true!!
Ok, ok, I promise this is the last time I bring this up, but I FOUND IT!!! Our series is about bringing spirituality back to HW and with Project X coming out, we see how far we need to go.
“Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr. Seuss
(yes I do realize the song is about our environment, but try looking a little deeper, please)
LB,
i love this movie! i didn’t catch it the first time but in the song the bad guy after he finishes his let it die part someone calls him a dirt bag.
OB,
Awesome article! Why do you think no one wants to speak out against what is being shown in movies nowadays?
“You Greedy Dirt Bag!” hahahahahaha!!!!!
OB,
Are there any studios that seem to put out more films with positive female characters?
Universal Pictures distributed and produced Bridesmaids and Young Adults. They so far (of the Big Five) are the most sensitive to showing female relevance in films. These two films pass The Bechdel test.
Granted unfortunately these two films are comedies which would put them out of the running for an Oscar. But it’s a start.
What about SWATH? Is that film in the category of a strong female protagonist?
Hmm! Well I have not seen the film yet. However, the original SW plot centers around a women being rescued by a man. So I would say NO!! In SWATH what we’ve seen from the trailers SW falls and the Huntsman kisses to save her. Based on this little trailer its looking like a NO!!
Remember the SW & 7 dwarfs story was written in 1937 by Disney. It was based off the german fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. So times have changed for women since the 30’s. Today women are working in industry and fighting in combat alongside men. Unless SWATH really re-imagines this story (which it looks pretty close to Disney’s version) I would say it fails the Bechdel Test. Mirror Mirror however, is looking like a parody of SW. So this actually might be a better representation of women than SWATH which is taking a more realistic approach. Does this makes sense?
P.S. Also the plot of SW is that women’s only ambition in life is to be revered as the prettiest women alive. Wow!! No ambition to be a doctor, lawyer, president, head of a film studio, film director maybe?
SWATH has Snow White fighting back (I think Mirror Mirror has Snow White doing that too a certain extent too) so I suppose that coulld be viewed as a sort of strong female protagonist (it’s still fighting over a girls’s beauty and a prince is needed to wake up her up). However, it still falls into the trap of “been there, done that” by other films who did it much better.
There was a point in this post agreeing with you all but my mind has gone completely blank!
Good points taken Oz!!
http://www.mayyoubeblessedmovie.com/
I was sent this video and since we are talking about spirtuality i am sharing with everyone.
Thanks for sharing. That was really nice.
Ahh! This was very uplifting Paris. Thank U!
Thanks Paris!
I think people don’t speak out in HW because the American audiences are so preoccupied with trying to survive the worse recession since the 30’s. They are accepting whatever HW is putting out at the moment. However, now that the economy and jobs are on the rise again. I think adults will be searching for films to be more meaningful, inspiring and spiritually uplifting. At least I hope.
Today, I think teens are being exploited much in the same way African Americans were being exploited in the 70’s. These studios like WB are taking advantage of kids who don’t have positive role models at home, kids who have a poor self-image, poor education and living in poverty etc… and using them to profit.
Did u know some kids are buying tickets to see a PG-13 film but instead sneaking in to see Project X? LOL!! WB did not think about that did they? Not only are they loosing out on cash from these teens who are giving their money to another studio but they are creating thieves.
The sneaking in is nothing new. My theater doesn’t have any employees taking tickets at the different theater doors for r rated movies.
Yes!! LOL!! This is my point. They are so busy trying to take advantage of teens they are loosing out on profits. There’s that Karma u were talking about. LOL!!
Just a side note. These movie theaters are very strict about checking ID’s today. The employees selling tickets will get fired if they don’t check ID’s.
haha! Yes!
Oh we do have people walk in about two or three times during a film, so maybe they are keeping head count with the number of tickets sold????
U will be glad to know. The Lorax made 70 million this weekend and Project X only made 21 million. Guess those teens paid to see the Lorax and snuck into see Project X for free. Great job WB!! LOL!!
I SAW that!!! Woot, woot!!!!! 🙂 Also noted, the comments from consumers was not great for Project X and a lot of men didn’t like it. Surprisingly but in a good way!
And yes everything you said about SWATH made sense.
I figured u would like that!!
Hi Everyone!
Today has been an insane day and it’s not letting up. OB, I will have your article to you this evening, I promise!!
I can’t wait to come back and read everyone’s comments. 🙂
ok I will be able to pop in and out today.
Hi LB-
No worries. That’s fine!
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to the discussion. Please feel free to comment or ask Q.
OB,
have you read any of the reviews for PX on rottentomatoes? What do you think?
Yes! I have….I like Leonard Maltins review the best. He said “is this a sign of the end of civilization as we know it?” LOL!!
LOL, hi everyone.
Hi CR!! Glad to see u….Big HUGS!!
back at you.
*mumblemumbleYESmumblemumble* 🙂
U are hilarious LB!!
LB-
What did u think of the reviews?
I am thrilled that the majority of critics and viewers see it for the trash it is. I particularly liked the comments about those seeing it must have the intelligence of someone far, far below basic. Cruel? yeah, probably. Do I agree? yeah.
Well I think what really needs to be discussed are the idiots who made this crap!! I mean its not that its wrong to do Hangover etc… But they were marketing it to adults not kids like PX. Even the title is trying to advertise its x rated. Really?
However, I’m glad WB is showing the depths they are willing to go to make a buck.
Yeah it’s nice that they are publicaly showing their douche colors.
I think studios, when possible, punish critics when their bad reviews hurt local box office. I don’t want to walk the emo route for critics but I”m sure not being invited to promotional promos or being denied access for interviews can really stunt a career.
I’m going to ask this Q of everyone because I think it was a great Q Paris asked earlier.
Q: “Why do you think no one wants to speak out against what is being shown in movies nowadays?”
This is a really good question. I doubt people really think bad reviews are enough.
Can u expand on that a little? Regarding bad reviews not being enough?
I remember a few years ago when people got worried that so much on screen violence was creating serial killers, audiences spoke frequently and in a wide variety of places. Ultimately this produced the rating system we use today.
True!! But do u think films are even more violent today. I think if in unless people start discussing how to improve the educational system. We will continue to get slime balls who will try and exploit kids because kids feel they have no options but to rebel against society.
I think alot of audiences are fried intellectually and sometimes neglect to protest.
OB,
We heard from the guys. I wondered what the women thought.
Hmmmm,
Clearly they enjoyed the whole thing. They seemed to believe he was very talented and flexible.
LB,
You were professionally active as an actress. How long does it take for actors to develop a sense of values about their work?
It should take about 0.5 seconds. You either have them or you don’t.
Obviously, I can’t argue with you.
Goodness! Clearly they are selling to the highest bidder to get seen. Regardless if it does anything to advance women in any way. Do u think their performances will be remembered or forgotten?
Absolutely forgotten.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHJAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
…they do work like this and think they are and think they’re up and comers…
co-signed. I couldn’t even take the time to put my cursor over the play button.
“unless”
Huh!! ??????????
Don’t worry about it…:) it’s the keyword.
Gotcha!! My brain is a little slow today.
I think it goes to what Missrepresentation says: we don’t think we have a voice. But we do! I think the problem is because HW is so powerful you need at least half the country to have rebellion in the streets for them to do anything. However, I think if it starts with parents teaching their children strong values films like this won’t be successful. From what the reviews state, there is hope.
OB and CR, I don’t think it was “coincidence” that The Lorax and Project X opened on the same weekend. And no, I am not talking from the studio end. They are polar opposites. Now TL doesn’t have fantastic ratings either, but look at the gross. I think it’s pretty obvious.
I think bad box office is just as fatal a “half the country to have rebellion in the streets,” in hollywood. I think “the Lorax” is is dishing out a terrible beating.
And if you give me time I might be able to produce a bigger example of a polar opposite.
That’s true, CR. I forgot that angle.
OB,
if you removed my “e” from my poorly spelled “fatale” in my 7:43 post. You’ve earned yourself a really big present. Thank you so much!!!!!
I try to help where I can. What do I win?
mumblemumblecoughcoughmumblemumble
I think its pretty obvious too LB. Like I said to Paris I think now that the economy is improving and people are not preoccupied on trying to find work. People want to be inspired, motivated and uplifted by entertainment. It gives them hope for the future etc.. I think people will begin to be more critical of what HW produces IMO!!
I sure hope so!
What are some films, past and present, that you have felt uplifted, inspired, and motivated? What did you learn from each one?
I’m thinking??? This is going to take me a bit.
I think most people don’t care anymore. Apathy rules, we lead busy and stressful lives and normally chose the easiest option and probably don’t have any energy to speak up about it.
With all of this discussion of talentless directors, crap stories, cowardly reality, fake controversies, and lost teen audience members: maybe we should turn our attention to events that are the complete opposite of what we’re seeing with “Project X”. LB this is my polar opposite example.
This move is a legitimate attempt at responsibility.
Bully:
sorry “move” = “movie”
Wow. Give me a minute. I can’t see past my tears or the 45 seconds I could digest. I blame the parents. 100%.
I feel much better when you say that. I felt the same way saw it. I don’t know whether this is liberating or horrifying for parents.
I think it’s both. I don’t think I can see it because I will be heaving in my seat, but I encourage all teens to see it. And the R because of “some language”???? Talk to the hand cuz the mouth ain’t talking!
LB,
“Language” I agree. I would rather hear actual languge than hear of children dying.
In terms of authenticity, do you think documentary is agood antidote for reality.
– Directors have to take a stand.
– The events are actually real and rarely sensationalized
– the events actually do impact the community.
I think it stands a really good chance for making a difference.
Of course we’ve all heard of how mean girls can be. But referring to the movie, this wasn’t my experience as a child.
In some places it seems like its really hard to be a boy.
Well I think Reality TV should stay where it is on TV. I think docs is the better style to give reality TV buffs their fix. Besides its better than situational events trying to get a shock reaction and claiming to be complex and real. Please!! Just start with the basics, add some structure, like a normal script and call it a day.
OB,
ITA. Yet this sort of simplicity seems to elude so many ot today’ s hollywood geniuses.
Teens are legitimately fighting to get in to see this movie:
http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/news/teen-got-165-000-signatures-protesting-bully-rating-202910800.html
I’m so relieved. I guess there’s hope.
Our allies at the MPAA strike again.
http://www.atthecinema.net/trailer-for-bully-our-thoughts-on-its-r-rating-by-the-mpaa
I can’t believe the MPAA? I don’t get it… Well maybe I do. Perhaps if they showed a gun in the film they would get a PG-13 rating.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHJAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
So after reading MPAA reasons for the R rating. They claim its due to the language not the violence being depicted in the film. What do u think? Is this a good excuse for why its being given an R rating? They said the director needs to re-edit and remove the explicit language.
Sounds unbelievably dumb. I’m impressed chilren want to see this movie to inform themselves regarding the world they live in.
I think it’s because there are more children/teens that are being bullied than not. And I mean ones that don’t even mention it and so their is probably a collective sigh that a movie has been made regarding it.
Oh man…don’t get me started! hahaha!!!
Thanks,
And now we’ve entered the world of real of children and teens; not the pitiful one manufactured for “Project X.”
Oh,
and LB feel free to get started. 🙂
every teen doesn’t have an apetite for “Project X.”
The truth is. An R rating does not mean kids/teens can’t see the film. It just means an adult 21 or older has to accompany them. Perhaps teachers should take classes on filed trips to see this film.
Excellent idea!!!!! We should deciminate this idea on the web so that your idea will take root.
Hate to say this, but when I taught school the most abusive kids tended to have a lot of negative drama executed by their parents at home.
Hope this isn’t too simplistic but society seems to bully parents, parents bring grief home, their kids seem to to take grief to school, vulnerable children seem to absorb the whole mess…
Hi OB! Great article! Im glad you provided a full trailer for Project X because over here we’re just getting the short trailers and all they show is 30 seconds of partying. I just didn’t understand what the plot was and even after the longer trailer I’m not much more clearer on that. Putting the teen and feminist issues aside for one moment, the thing that really turned me off it was that it seems it’s just a rip off of the TV show Skins. Not that I’ve seen Skins, it seems to be much better than whatever the hell this is. I mean, it was popular enough to get a US version.
Anyway, I’ll have to watch the longer videos at a later date. I hope all this makes sense because I’m tired, lol!
Hi Ozzie.
I understood you.
Hi Ozzie!!
I’m glad u made it. I’m glad u saw the entire trailer. I’m sure u were ready to go out and buy your advance ticket to see this film. It does claim to have a plot. However, if u watch the director and producer explain their goal for the film. They were aimming to make it as real and authentic as possible. They were going for a Reality TV feel. I think the series Skins is much better than this drivel produced.
Hi CR and OB!
Lol, of course I have my advance ticket purchase along with a bucket to vomit in due to the shaky camera and the flashing images! On a more serious note, I have a feeling that when I do watch the videos, I will want to shove my fist through the screen with anger!
“along with a bucket to vomit in due to the shaky camera and the flashing images”
Ozzie you kill me.
LOL!! I’m laughing so hard now Ozzie!! Bucket of vomit!! LOL!!
Let me collect myself. I have a question. Wait!! O.k.
Umm! Do u think Reality TV belongs on the big screen? Take Paranormal and Blair Witch as examples.
Sorry Ozzie I tried to wait but i didn’t know where you were.
NO OB, REALITY SHOULD STAY ON TV!
Watch and see how little impact this makes on the next crop of developed feature films.
*bows* I aim to get in one joke per discussion! 🙂
Hmmmm, I don’t think it should be on the big screen because I don’t think it’s as popular as it once was. With Blair Witch (I haven’t seen any of the Paranormal movies yet) it was a novelty, a new way to film but now everyone is used to it and are probably to a certain extent over it. My personal opinion is “Hello no, I value my health!” I guess if it was used in small doses it would have more of an impact.
OB and CR,
Thank you for another great discussion! I need to go for the evening, so I will see you next time. Have a good night!
🙂
Goodnight LB!! Really enjoyed discussing this with u. Take Care!
Bye, LB.
I have to go.
Thanks for the article OB. Great discussion.
See everyone soon.
Take Care!! CR….Goodnight!!
Thanks for coming.
Goodnight Everyone!
Thanks! Great discussion. Bye Ozzie and CR!!
I think it’s best for me to go too before I end up writing pure gibberish then finally face planting straight on to the keyboard, lol!
Night all! 🙂