Hollywood backlash

Hollywood backlash

Scent of a Woman

Directed by Martin Brest



Written by Bo Goldman

With Al Pacino and Chris O'Donnell

Greater Union

Reviewed by Gabrielle Carey

I was prejudiced about this film before I even saw it because of its title, and I was right to be so. This movie is about pure and unadulterated objectification of women and big-pat-on-the-back-male-mateshippery.

Al Pacino, playing an obnoxious retired colonel and paternal influence on an Ivy League youth, sums up his idea of the best thing about a woman in one word — it starts with P and ends with Y and it's not her personality.

Scent of a Woman is directed by the man who directed Beverly Hills Cop. Need I say more?

The most scary thing about this movie is that its slick production values and skilful acting make it a very attractive package. It wholeheartedly endorses and at the same time veils its insidious misogynist edge.

And the powers that be (surprise, surprise) are lapping it up: three Golden Globes and four Academy Award nominations, including best film. Try telling me a backlash doesn't exist. Watch at your peril. Highly unrecommended.

From GLW issue 93