I agree! I think if Alyssa wasn’t such an interesting character I would have written the film off entirely as just being offensive/bad etc. But the fact that she’s so compelling actually made me more interested in engaging with the film as a whole. Even though I hate the way she’s treated in the film (which perhaps, is the point) I do think in some ways she’s a well-written character, which complicates things a bit. Like I would totally watch a film (multiple films, even!) about Alyssa bopping around the city doing her cool lesbian things. I also get why it might have been a cool thing to see a character like Alyssa on screen in the 90s, the context of her story notwithstanding.
Thank you for writing a nuanced and balanced essay on this movie. I was in my late 20’s when this movie came out. Back then, I begrudgingly watched the movie (in the same vein as The Kids Are Alright) because we were all desperate to see ourselves reflected on screen. We had to ignore the sex with guys part and trust she’d come back into the fold, so to speak. We watched every gay movie that came out, no matter how crappy, because there was a kernel of seeing that we existed outside the small bubbles of our respective communities. We understood that it was the first steps into the mainstream. In context, the movie has its place but ultimately, it echoes of the male dream of being so sexually awesome that they can convert us.
I'm sorry it was such a hard experience to watch it.
Obviously, as of today, "Chasing Amy" is dated. Also, it's not a film that particularly aged well. However, we could say the same for other films or TV series like "The L World". So, it's all relative.
I still think "Chasing Amy" is very interesting in many ways. I like Alyssa. She's clearly the best character of the movie. She's pretty, funny, witty, clever and, overall, so charming. She's kind of perfect, really.
And maybe it's part of the problem since the movie is made by Kevin Smith through his vision and experiences. Therefore, you're right to say she's kind of "fetishized". At the same time, somehow, she's both idealized and denigrated.
Holden & Banky are intimidated by Alyssa and clearly don't know how to "deal" with her. Hell, I don't even think Holden (even less Banky) really grew after Alyssa and/or learned something. It's more like their relationship was just another parenthesis in his life.
So, the whole movie is obviously less about Alyssa (and her sexuality) and all about Holden and his limits.
And, because of that, I do think the joke is on Smith (and, by extension, Holden & Banky) since the movie is all about their insecurities as (very small-minded) straight men.
Thus, I tend to see "Chasing Amy" as a movie about sexuality as a whole and our relation with it (or our expectations toward it).
I mean, I'm still not sure if I like "Chasing Amy" as a movie but, even though I totally understand why it's so polarizing, I know it gave me a lot to think about and, for that, I find it really fascinating.
I agree! I think if Alyssa wasn’t such an interesting character I would have written the film off entirely as just being offensive/bad etc. But the fact that she’s so compelling actually made me more interested in engaging with the film as a whole. Even though I hate the way she’s treated in the film (which perhaps, is the point) I do think in some ways she’s a well-written character, which complicates things a bit. Like I would totally watch a film (multiple films, even!) about Alyssa bopping around the city doing her cool lesbian things. I also get why it might have been a cool thing to see a character like Alyssa on screen in the 90s, the context of her story notwithstanding.
Thank you for writing a nuanced and balanced essay on this movie. I was in my late 20’s when this movie came out. Back then, I begrudgingly watched the movie (in the same vein as The Kids Are Alright) because we were all desperate to see ourselves reflected on screen. We had to ignore the sex with guys part and trust she’d come back into the fold, so to speak. We watched every gay movie that came out, no matter how crappy, because there was a kernel of seeing that we existed outside the small bubbles of our respective communities. We understood that it was the first steps into the mainstream. In context, the movie has its place but ultimately, it echoes of the male dream of being so sexually awesome that they can convert us.
I'm sorry it was such a hard experience to watch it.
Obviously, as of today, "Chasing Amy" is dated. Also, it's not a film that particularly aged well. However, we could say the same for other films or TV series like "The L World". So, it's all relative.
I still think "Chasing Amy" is very interesting in many ways. I like Alyssa. She's clearly the best character of the movie. She's pretty, funny, witty, clever and, overall, so charming. She's kind of perfect, really.
And maybe it's part of the problem since the movie is made by Kevin Smith through his vision and experiences. Therefore, you're right to say she's kind of "fetishized". At the same time, somehow, she's both idealized and denigrated.
Holden & Banky are intimidated by Alyssa and clearly don't know how to "deal" with her. Hell, I don't even think Holden (even less Banky) really grew after Alyssa and/or learned something. It's more like their relationship was just another parenthesis in his life.
So, the whole movie is obviously less about Alyssa (and her sexuality) and all about Holden and his limits.
And, because of that, I do think the joke is on Smith (and, by extension, Holden & Banky) since the movie is all about their insecurities as (very small-minded) straight men.
Thus, I tend to see "Chasing Amy" as a movie about sexuality as a whole and our relation with it (or our expectations toward it).
I mean, I'm still not sure if I like "Chasing Amy" as a movie but, even though I totally understand why it's so polarizing, I know it gave me a lot to think about and, for that, I find it really fascinating.