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What Men Want

What Men Want

2019

R

Director

Adam Shankman

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

Magically able to hear what men are thinking, a sports agent uses her newfound ability to turn the tables on her overbearing male colleagues.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.2/10

Good

Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Limited

The story focuses on heteronormative romantic and professional dynamics. It lacks significant presence or central narratives involving non-cisnormative identities.

Gender Representation

Excellent

The film subverts traditional hierarchies by positioning the female protagonist as the strategic driver of the plot. It successfully passes the Bechdel test through substantive dialogue about career obstacles.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Good

Centering Taraji P. Henson in a high-powered professional role challenges tropes that relegate women of color to secondary positions. Her expertise drives the narrative rather than her race.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The narrative critiques Western corporate institutions and the exclusionary 'old boys' club.' It emphasizes the deconstruction of meritocracy within capitalist frameworks.

Disability Representation

Fair

The film lacks meaningful depictions of neurodivergence or physical disability. The protagonist's supernatural ability to hear thoughts serves as a fantasy conceit rather than a disability representation.

Strengths

  • The film centers a Black female protagonist in a high-powered, high-socioeconomic professional role.
  • It effectively subverts traditional gender hierarchies by portraying female agency and professional competence.
  • The narrative successfully passes the Bechdel test with substantive dialogue regarding systemic career obstacles.

Areas for Improvement

  • The story lacks significant representation or central narratives involving LGBTQ+ identities.
  • There is no meaningful depiction of physical disability or neurodivergence beyond the central fantasy conceit.
  • The narrative scope remains largely focused on heteronormative romantic and professional dynamics.

AI Analysis

What Men Want functions as a critique of gendered power dynamics within a corporate setting. By using a magical realism framework, the film allows its protagonist to dismantle the 'old boys' club' mentality and navigate systemic barriers. The film excels in gender and racial representation, centering a Black woman in a position of professional authority and agency. This approach actively challenges traditional Hollywood tropes regarding socioeconomic status and leadership. However, the film remains limited in its scope regarding LGBTQ+ and disability representation. The narrative stays tethered to traditional relationship structures and relies on a supernatural trope rather than authentic depictions of neurodivergence.

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