We Love To See It
In November 2018, I saw Jon M. Chu and Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians in the small movie theatre at MTSU’s Student Union. Immediately, I knew that film’s impact on my life would be long lasting. It showcased a level of diversity onscreen that is seldom seen in Hollywood, especially in romantic comedies. Watching this film made two things very clear: my love of happy endings, and the upcoming topic of my undergraduate honors thesis.
When began the brainstorming process for my thesis my ideas took many forms, all centering on movies. I toyed with an investigation into the Hays Code’s effect on diversity and proposed a chronological analysis of the history of non-white actors on screen. For the sake of time and sanity, I narrowed my subject down drastically. I’ll save chronological analyses for my future dissertation.
It quickly became a film analysis of the diversity levels of six of Hollywood’s top romantic comedies: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Crazy Rich Asians, Hitch, Maid in Manhattran, The Proposal, and 27 Dresses. These six films show the industry as it is while acknowledging what could and should be done to make improvements.
I’ve linked it below for your reading pleasure - and my email and DMs are always open for a chat about diversity in films!