I have boldly gone on record as a male lover of Sex and the City and in fact believe that it was the most enjoyable movie of 2008. I cried, laughed, bit my nails, got angry, and was deeply touched by the whole shebang.
Those who attack the movie say that it is a story for ninnies; shallow, without deep meaning, a puffy Pandora’s box of silly fashion scenes, sexual high jinks, and vexing vignettes. But to all of you critical disbelievers out there, I say “No way, Jose!” And after all, don’t all of you have your own cute little indulgences? Things like cars, bowling, baking, or daytime soaps?
Here, then, is a brief analysis of what is profound and thought provoking about the movie and the significant subplots that give it its weight.
1. Carrie and Big
Carrie hesitates to give up the independence of having her own place and worries about where she would be financially as a single woman if she were left in the lurch. Big suffers from cold feet and hesitates to make the big commitment again because he has already failed painfully—more than once. I was able to completely identify with the distress that both of them were suffering through; these are dilemmas most of us have struggled with at some time in our lives. No?
2. Miranda and Steve
This whole sub-story touched me deeply. Talk about two people very much in love losing sight about what is important in life and making some costly mistakes. They separate, suffer deeply, worry about their son, go for counseling, and finally—in that superb scene on the bridge that had my crying buckets of happy tears and cheering—find a way to forgive, forget, and start all over again. Their lovemaking scene later in the movie was truly beautiful.
3. Charlotte and Harry
Wasn’t it wonderful to see a couple so deeply and thoroughly in love? And the newest blessing they receive with her pregnancy, even though they have already adopted a beautiful daughter? I ask you, haven’t you ever felt guilty about being happy like Charlotte does, while others around you are suffering?
4. Samantha and Smith
And finally, free spirit Samantha is starting to feel her age—fifty! Well, who among us, male or female, cannot identify with that?
Sex and the City is not a perfect movie, but it was deep and had meaning for me in more ways than one. If you disliked it and felt it to be too light, perhaps you might go back and give it another chance, keeping the above points in mind. This time around, you just might see the light. I hope so!
