Let’s face it: finding a film that features a truly unique 'weird girl' can be a challenge. There’s an abundance of quirky, conventionally attractive manic pixie dream girls in the realm of cinema: Clementine, Summer, and the famous Ramona Flowers to name a few. While these characters have their charm, they often fall into the same tired patterns, serving mainly as inspirations for their male counterparts rather than being fully realised individuals. Their sole purpose is to better someone else’s character, instead of their own. Plus, they aren’t even actually weird.
This is where Dinner in America comes in. It was amazingly refreshing to see a real weird girl - someone who embodies the quirks and complexities of actual life - rather than a fantasy character crafted for male inspiration. Patty, played by the talented Emily Skeggs, is not just another cute face with a quirky style; she’s a multi-dimensional character grappling with her own challenges and insecurities.
Patty’s uniqueness shines through her punk rock attitude and unapologetic personality. She isn’t here to fulfil someone else’s narrative; she’s on her own journey, navigating the chaos of her life with humour and defiance. From her bold fashion choices to her raw honesty, Patty is refreshingly authentic. She doesn’t conform to societal expectations, and instead, she revels in her individuality. This portrayal allows viewers to connect with her on a deeper level, recognizing that being 'weird' often comes with its own set of struggles and triumphs. And not once in the film did she have a ‘glow up’ or makeover to completely demolish any uniqueness and self-expression she had. She remained unapologetically herself for the entirety of the film.
The film does an excellent job of showcasing Patty’s complexities. Unlike the typical manic pixie dream girl, she is not merely a plot device; she has her own backstory and emotional depth. The struggles she faces - such as her difficult home life and her search for identity - make her relatable to anyone who has ever felt out of place. In contrast to characters like Clementine or Summer, who often appear as whimsical enigma wrapped in a stylish package, Patty is grounded and real!
The relationship between Patty and Simon (Kyle Allen) further emphasises this authenticity. Their connection isn’t just a typical romantic subplot; it’s a partnership where both characters challenge and uplift each other. Simon is drawn to Patty not because she completes him, but because she inspires him to be more honest with himself. Their dynamic illustrates that a genuine relationship is built on mutual growth rather than dependency.
What really sets Dinner in America apart is its willingness to embrace vulnerability. Patty’s moments of insecurity and doubt add depth to her character, showing that being 'weird' isn’t just about being quirky; it also involves grappling with feelings of isolation and self-acceptance. These themes resonate strongly with audiences, making Patty’s journey feel all the more impactful.
Visually, the film complements Patty’s story with vibrant, chaotic imagery that mirrors her personality. The punk aesthetic serves not just as a backdrop, but as a vital part of her identity. The film’s raw energy captures the essence of youth and rebellion, further emphasizing the celebration of individuality.
Dinner in America offers a much-needed break from the traditional portrayals of women in film. By giving us a real 'weird girl' in Patty, the film celebrates authenticity, complexity, and the beauty of being different. It encourages viewers to embrace their quirks and reminds us that everyone has their own story to tell. Patty isn’t just a character; she’s a symbol of self-acceptance and individuality, making Dinner in America a standout in the realm of cinema. So here’s to my weird girls - may we see more of them on screen!
the damage the ‘manic pixie dream girl’ has done
The manic pixie dream girl trope has unfortunately skewed many people's perceptions of women, reducing them to mere plot devices designed to inspire male characters. This one-dimensional portrayal has created unrealistic expectations around femininity, suggesting that women should be quirky and whimsical solely for the benefit of the men in their lives. As a result, many people struggle to see women as complex individuals with their own desires and stories.
It’s crucial that we begin to abolish this trope. While there’s nothing wrong with quirkiness, when it’s packaged solely as a means to serve someone else’s narrative, it diminishes the richness of female experiences. Instead of viewing women as catalysts for male growth, we should celebrate characters who are full-fledged individuals in their own right.
For instance, characters like Margo Roth Spiegelman from Paper Towns can be seen as a more nuanced version of the MPDG. While she initially fits the trope, as the story unfolds, we learn that Margo is more than just a whimsical figure; she has her own complexities and motivations. On the other hand, characters like Daria Morgendorffer from Daria offer a strong counterpoint to the MPDG stereotype. Daria is intelligent, cynical, and unapologetically herself - her quirks stem from her perspective on a conformist world, making her a relatable and empowering figure.
However, some portrayals fall flat, reinforcing negative stereotypes. For example, Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is charming and mysterious, but her character is often seen as an enigma whose primary role is to help the male protagonist discover himself, rather than being a fully developed individual. Similarly, Clementine Kruczynski from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is beloved for her uniqueness, yet her complexity is often overshadowed by her role in the male lead’s journey.
By recognizing the flaws in these representations and actively seeking out stories that showcase real 'weird girls,' we can start to shift the narrative. Films like Dinner in America provide a blueprint for how to portray women as authentic individuals, celebrating their quirks while highlighting their struggles and triumphs. This shift not only benefits female characters but enriches storytelling as a whole, allowing for a more diverse and accurate representation of the human experience.
On a personal note, I LOVED Dinner In America. I truly recommend for anyone to watch it, whether you class yourself as a ‘weird girl’ or not. Here’s to seeing more representation of us weird girls in cinema <3
Once again, thank you for reading! I know this was a long one, so thanks for sticking around :)
Lucy