This 2000 romantic comedy, directed by Nancy Meyers, explores the dynamics of gender with a twist of magical realism. The film tells the story of Nick Marshall, played by Mel Gibson, who suddenly gains the power to hear women’s thoughts. With this newfound power, he begins to understand women in ways he never could have imagined. What Women Want Movie, This film brings laughter but also opens questions regarding relationships, gender expectations, and communication.
Here is all information regarding What Women Want—everything from its plot and what themes it touches up on to some frequently asked questions.
Plot Summary
What Women Want is a movie that chronicles the life of Nick Marshall, a chauvinistic advertising executive in Chicago. He is arrogant, self-centered, and believes he knows everything about women. Nick lives in a world where he constantly objectifies women. What Women Want Movie, However, his life changes after an accident where he is electrocuted in his bathroom. When he wakes up, Nick realizes he can hear the thoughts of all women around him.
It then becomes a gift when it helps him advance professionally with his new boss Darcy McGuire, played by Helen Hunt. This company is brought in for fresh perspectives on marketing, bringing into the company female-centred campaigns, which he cannot stand. He quickly understands that he can utilize it to his advantage. He uses this information and places Darcy in the middle at work.
With the passage of time, Nick undergoes change. He gets sympathetic towards women and, over a period, understands the situations that the fairer gender faces each day. Later, he, through his empathetic ways, starts realizing his flaws. Towards the end, it is only when he understands that making women comprehend something does not mean playing manipulation but being a listener with sympathy
Gender Stereotypes
Nick is the epitome of masculine stereotypes in the film. He hates emotions and overestimates his powers. The film questions those stereotypes through the character change of Nick. Real power lies in understanding and respect for others; gender must not be the criterion for that.
Communication
The movie demonstrates that communication is necessary in relationships. Nick can hear the thoughts of women; thus, he sees that he does not communicate very well. The movie reveals that one needs to hear others’ feelings and thoughts for good connections.
Empathy and Compassion
Nick’s is a story of growth as a person. He slowly starts to understand the problems that women in his circle are facing through their inner strife. The message here again echoes at the social scale of men and women requiring each other to understand and respect each other.
Cast and Performance
Mel Gibson as Nick Marshall: Gibson is charming and funny in his acting. What Women Want Movie, His acting brings out the transformation of Nick from a clueless chauvinist to a thoughtful individual, which is very convincing and entertaining.
Helen Hunt as Darcy McGuire: Hunt plays Nick’s professional rival and later his love interest. She brings depth to her role as a strong, career-driven woman who also deals with the challenges of being in a male-dominated industry.
Supporting Cast:
In addition to the leads, the movie features talented actors like Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda, and Bette Midler, which add humor and heart to the movie overall.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Women Want
What is the basic message of What Women Want?
The core message that What Women Want conveys is empathy, communication, and understanding in relationships. It asks both the male and female to listen to each other and shakes off the gender roles traditionally associated with men and women.
How did Nick get the power to hear the thoughts of women?
He acquires the power through an accident in his bathroom. He slips as he puts on women’s items for an assignment and electrocutes himself. Once he wakes up, he can hear what women think.
Is What Women Want suitable for all audiences?
The film is rated PG-13 with sexually explicit moments, mild language, and adult humor, so it might not appeal to very young viewers, but it remains a lighthearted comedy suitable to most audiences.
What is the basis of the romantic comedy in the movie What Women Want?
There is no conflict between romanticism and comedies within the movie as it appropriately combines those factors. So many times the guy could not help himself due to overhearing female minds, hence the scenes had a touch of laughter; however, as feelings toward Darcy arise, one becomes more empathetic towards his character.
A funny but heartbreaking scene or vice versa-a classic in romantic comedy-movies
Although What Women Want did not get any significant awards, it was a commercial hit. The movie made more than $374 million worldwide and ranked as one of the highest-grossing films in 2000. The movie also received tremendous applause for Mel Gibson’s performance. He proved his ability to play both comic and dramatic roles.
What are the key differences between What Women Want and its 2019 remake What Men Want?
The movie was recreated in 2019 with a twist of a female take: What Men Want. In this film, a female sports agent develops an ability to hear what is in the minds of the men. While the main idea is very much the same, the contemporary take from the perspective of a black woman in a male business environment gives it a completely different feel.
What does What Women Want mean to viewers today?
The film is worth being seen by modern audiences for its comedy and the depth it reveals about relationships. Even in today’s times, issues such as gender communication in the workplace, workplace dynamics, and personal growth still resonate in this movie. It also reflects a message that will be time-immering, and this is that of empathy and listening.
Unique Features of the Film
It’s a mix of comedy and drama, and the film is well-balanced both. Even though Nick could listen to women’s thoughts at times, which often creates some funny moments, the movie was serious on issues of respect and equality.
This film was directed by a female director coming from the house of Nancy Meyers, who so far has directed movies that have always revolved around women, their lives, and relationships- a perfect direction towards the movie. Fine nuances have touched up the film which is in no way male oriented comedy but something relating to the female audience.
Soundtrack and Music:
The movie soundtrack really sets the mood for the entire film. A few classic songs such as “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks and “What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera really help to highlight pivotal moments in the movie.
What is different in this movie is the character arc of Nick. Most romantic comedies tend to be about how the female leads change, while What Women Want reverses this, focusing on how the male lead changes and grows.
