I watched 'Booksmart' for the first time about a year ago. I remember when it came out and my mum went to the screening to see it and returned home preaching how good this movie was. I had seen various trailers for it and thought it looked great and all but other than that I never really gave it much thought. For one thing, it was released during the time 'Rocketman' came out, and so that seemed to be getting a lot of attention during that period. Don't get me wrong, the film definitely received high praise but no one my age really talked about the movie, or didn't even see it.
When I finally sat down to watch it at home, I was in utter shock. From the moment it started, I was obsessed and that is why it needs to be the first film I write a blog about. Firstly, I feel the need to highlight how amazing a director Olivia Wilde is because she honestly knocked it out the park on her directorial debut. I feel that as a teenage girl going through the same emotions and experiences the girls in the film are going through, Wilde has made our voices heard. In the 1hr 45mins, she has managed to cram in everything from peer pressure, to university applications, leaving school and friendships, to drugs and body image and sexuality and so much more and it really is a masterpiece. Not only does it connect with me and those my own age, but its' a film that all can enjoy. It is a classic that I know will be loved for so many years to come.
Ever since I first watched it, I consistently find myself turning back to it when feeling down because the story strongly resonates with me, whilst having moments of sadness, the overall uplifting tone and comedy is truly comforting to watch. Whilst first watching, I did feel that the plot was on the same wavelength as that of 'Superbad,' but that it took a different perspective by portraying different issues that come with concluding high school, such as those mentioned previously.
Aside from that aspect of the plot, something different was brought to the table through the short animation section of the girls as barbie dolls which is fantastic. Body image is clearly an every growing issue surrounding our generation due to social media platforms and societies representation of women in the media, however this short scene of the movie encapsulates the anxieties of young girls as they progress into young adulthood. I know I certainly hold my own insecurities and I don't ever believe there isn't a person who hasn't struggled with body image, but the scene is so beautifully crafted that presents these societal expectations placed on women in a comical, yet thoughtful way. When the initial shock hits both girls, as they realise they have changed into dolls, they both hate it as they're 'breasts are too heavy,' and how 'these proportions are insane,' to comment on the stereotypical aspects of the female body and show how unrealistic and unpractical these expectations are. Amy, as a proud feminist, then becomes to marvel at this new body of hers and begins to enjoy the shape she now has whilst Molly fights for her not to give in. To me, this comments not only on the unrealistic presentation of women in the media, and the pressure placed on women, but also presents how easy it is for women to become almost 'brainwashed' by this idea of the perfect figure. Not only that, but the position held by Molly explores the idea that women should love the body they are in and learn to accept the beauty of the body they own. I know that I have ranted for a bit here, but I feel this was one of the best scenes I could discuss as I feel it raises some pertinent issues in todays society and reflects the position that many young girls (as well as older women) stand. Depicting something like this in a movie that can be enjoyed by many is so crucial because it opens the eyes to those that may be unaware of the issue too.
Another thing I feel I MUST comment on about this movie, is the Soundtrack. For me, I have always loved that feeling when not only does the movie look amazing, but has the best soundtrack accompanying it to help illuminate the tale being told. It immerses you further into the plot and captures your attention even further than any visual aid can. Wilde's direction on this movie has created some beautiful shots and the soundtrack which I know she worked closely to develop along with Bryan Ling (the music supervisor), help to make this film stand out from many other classic coming-of-age films. After reading further into the production of this film, I have learnt how involved Wilde was with creating this film and to me, that makes it so much more special as like many films, it truly is a labour of love. Having a director that is deeply involved in so many aspects of the production, help to add more energy to the film itself in ways that are difficult to articulate until the movie is seen.
The film offers a voice to so many going through high-school and embarking on adulthood as it comments on those such as the main protagonists who are the top of their class yet are so distant from those in their school, as well as exploring those within high school struggling with their mental health and those trying to find their place in this big world.
I do want to mention the incredible writers that worked on this film too as they cannot go unmentioned, because without them, I feel this movie would not have been made the same; Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel and Katie Silberman are all geniuses in their craft and I will be forever grateful, along with Olivia Wilde and the many people that worked to create this remarkable film, because I can honestly say that it has changed my life. I know that stuff like that sounds incredibly cheesy but I do honestly mean it and definitely consider this film as one of the reasons why I want to go into filmmaking in the future. There are so many more scenes I could go on for hours to discuss but for now, I'll leave it at that.
To add something fun to these blogs, I thought I would include some fun facts about the making of this film as I feel that is a nice thing to have!
Olivia Wilde encouraged Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein to spend time living together to really build up a rapport between the two girls. The two ended up being roommates for 10 weeks.
Olivia Wilde encouraged her cast to rewrite any dialogue for their characters if they felt it to be inauthentic.
Olivia Wilde said that 'The Breakfast Club (1985)', 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)', 'Dazed and Confused (1993)', and 'Clueless (1995)' were the inspiration for this film.
Beanie Feldstein read the script for another role that finally was excluded, when Olivia Wilde saw her, she decided to give her the co-star role as Molly.
Olivia Wilde describes 'Booksmart' as the 'Training Day' of the school movies genre.
Screenwriter Katie Silberman said that Billie Lourd's interpretation was so good the writers had to write some extra scenes for her to shine better.
The script for 'Booksmart' has been written since 2009, waiting to be directed.
Sources: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489887/trivia https://www.movienco.co.uk/films/booksmart/trivia/
Director: Olivia Wilde
Writers: Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel and Katie Silberman
Certificate: 15
Genres: Comedy
Stream : Amazon Prime Video UK