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Sex and the City: The
Movie
By: Beth
Dowse
A beautiful reunion
indeed for the Sexy ladies...
Cosmos. Men. Manolos. Fashion. Friendship. Sex. These words have gone
hand in hand with the immensely popular 1998-2004 HBO series, “Sex and
the City”. Women were transfixed to the screen as they saw the lives of
four single ladies in the dashing Big Apple. Their adventures ranged
from the serious (non commitment of a certain Mr. Big), to relatable
(the inability to conceive), to the ridiculous (does farting in bed ruin
a sexual relationship?) . The Fab Four’s bond was ever-evolving, as the
lives of Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha changed throughout the
years. This award winning series on HBO opened the doors in a way few
television programs had; it allowed women the right to talk about
subject mater that they were simply thinking about. “Sex and the City”
star Sarah Jessica Parker played the title role of Carrie Bradshaw,
relationship/sex columnist in New York, whose liaisons and conflicts
with the opposite sex became part of the pop culture. Swarms of would-
be Samantha’s and wishful Charlotte’s moved to New York City, in
response to what was seen as a glamorized version of New York. When the
show was canceled, many fans wondered, “What happened after the Parisian
ending with Carrie in Mr. Big’s arms?”
Fast forward four years. Carrie and Mr. Big (the well played
Chris North) have been in love and are headed towards commitment.
Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Harry ( Evan Handler) are living in the
suburbs where they are raising a curious 3 year old adopted from China.
Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve (David Eigenberg) are living in
Brooklyn ( though Miranda is finding herself missing her “ former”
self). And Samantha (played by the insatiable Kim Cattrall) has been in
a monogamous relationship with the hip Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) for
over four years. Is the television audience that had followed these
trendsetters over the years disappointed or elated over the big screen
adaptation of this ultimate chick flick? Don’t worry; this critic will
not reveal the hidden “secrets” of Sex and the City.”
Details tend to make or break a film. The details in
“Sex and the City” made it an entertaining, lively, surprising, romantic
comedy. Right from the first scene the audience is whisked back to
gorgeous lights and sounds of the city that never sleeps, the fifth
“lady” if you will. Director Michael Patrick King’s reintroduction to
the women, edited in side screens and fast moving templates, is spot on,
allowing new fans to know these women quickly. (A film go-er who had
never seen the TV show would understand the background of the four women
quickly due to this intelligent editing and direction.) The presence of
beautiful fashion was vital to the television show and became an equally
important tool to captivate the characters’ essence in the screen
version. In a gorgeous sequence of scenes, Carrie tries on several
designer wedding gowns for a Vogue photo shoot. The dresses pop off the
screen, as the audience hopes that Carrie’s happy ending is finally upon
her.
Although the film’s central character is author,
fashionist Carrie Bradshaw, it is the supporting characters that make
this film come alive. Iconic, sex obsessed Samantha Jones steals every
scene (played by the virtual and hilarious Kim Catrall). From
Samantha’s buying a dog who she can “ relate to” , to lying naked in
sushi on Valentine’s Day waiting for her actor boyfriend’s return home;
to “ eyeing” the new Godlike neighbor next door, Samantha’s position on
life, love and sex make her character timeless. Cynthia Nixon’s fluid,
powerfully moving portrayal of Miranda showcased the actresses’ ability
to take the character to new emotional heights and incredible lows. The
audience felt her pain; understood her doubt; reasoned with her
decisions. Chris North’s reprisal role as the elusive, debunker,
successful Mr. Big was spot on. Audiences loved him, hated him, and
loved him again.
Director Michael Patrick King’s vision of making one of the
most successful cable television shows into a blockbuster film has been
realized. “Sex and the City” broke weekend box office numbers, making it
the largest romantic comedy opening of all time. Every woman can see in
herself a little bit of Carrie’s longing; Miranda’s doubt; Charlotte’s
optimism and Samantha’s passion. This made the television show reach out
to global audiences and it is what has made “Sex and the City” the
romantic comedy/ultimate chick flick to watch. Cosmos anyone?
***/****
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