Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Transformers and Eye Candy

Last Saturday I popped in Transformers and settled back for a fluff movie (doesn't have a whole lot of depth to plot, message, etc.). My brothers had previously viewed it and so I knew from them that it was a decent film with funny banter between the machines.

The special effects were quite fantastic and the Transformers were jaw-dropping realistic. But there was something else that caught my eye which made me wonder about the screenwriters and the actresses. To me, it appeared that the main female character and Sam's interest, Mikaela Banes was created for no other reason than to provide eye candy in an otherwise masculine film. If Mikaela was removed from the screenplay (short skirt, midriff revealing shirts and all) would the movie miss her. Honestly, what great part does she play in saving world? Remove Sam and there is no movie; remove Mikaela and there is less hormones running wild.

Even beyond this character, other women are strategically placed in the film wearing revealing clothes. For example, in the climatic city fight scene, a Transformer hurtles his way down a street. Yet in the foreground, a woman screaming in slow motion is stopped in front of the camera with a blue, low cut dress. I don't know about you but if one of those machines came flying down the street, I would run for cover instead of posing for the camera.

What is the point for filmmakers to throw these things into movies? No one would notice if they weren't there and it would be less of a temptation for men. My other question is, "Why are women taking these roles?" Why put yourself in that position? I could only shake my head as the credits role and hope (but I'm not holding my breath) that Transformers 2 does a better job.

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