Michelle Simms, former ballerina who ended up as a Las Vegas showgirl, was about to get a big break: she got an audition for "Chicago." However, after one look, she was rejected. Feeling completely helpless without any promising career and life ahead, she drunkenly agrees to marry her persistent admirer, Hubbell Flowers. They move into his quiet and sleepy hometown, Paradise, CA. Hubbell promises Michelle an exciting and fulfilling life, but he is killed in a car accident.
Now here is where I have a problem. Not only is she portrayed as helpless because she's aging and unwanted (which is unfortunately a very real, sexist, and agist problem that the ballet and dancing world has), the only way she can get a new life is by marrying this man she barely knows?? All we know is that he thinks she is beautiful and wants her as his wife. Although we don't know anything about this man, he is portrayed as her only solution, her knight in shining armor, the man that will take care of her; therefore, we trust and love him. She has no agency in her life and even agreeing to marry him, she was drunk and lacked complete control. Why are we so accepting of this predicament? It's okay that she's not wanted because of her age. It's okay that this strange man proposes to her and loves her only because of her beauty. It's okay that she agrees to let this man take her away to this strange place to give her "everything" women are suppose to want. Does she even really want to be a suburban house wife? The whole concept takes away the possibility for her to carve out the life she wants for herself and the only way to get it is by marrying this man. To put it roughly: she's going to be a trophy wife and that's the best she can do for herself.
Review: not impressed
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