The films by or about women are not just "romance " films. They are movies that have their story told from a woman's standpoint. There are lots of things I did not know about women until I watched such movies. Gender and romance are the overall themes in the film ˜Muriel's Wedding.' The film centers upon the socially awkward character, Muriel. Her ambition is to have a dazzling wedding and a man to help her ameliorate her personal life (Goldsmith173). Her desires about her wedding bring out the theme of women and romance. Prior to watching the film, I did not know that women could choose to have fun from romance. Another theme in the film is independence by female gender. Muriel dreams of getting a better her life by getting herself a man. Besides being a woman, she seeks independence by being socially awkward, naive and overweight. The man she dreams about is likely to relieve her from the burden of oppression. Here, the role of the men is seen: to provide comfort and relief to the woman. Another thing about gender is how women are expected to look. Due to her physical appearance, she is subjected to ridicule by the girls who pay attention to the latest fashion trends. Those who mock her are her best friends. Her father, Bill, is abusive to her mother and herself. He is also a corrupt politician who orally attacks at his submissive wife Betty and other children. These are negative gender roles associated with men. That changed my attitude towards women. I cannot stand seeing a woman being harassed or abused by a man. .
After her father finds out that Muriel has used a blank check to steal money to pay for a tour at a tropical holiday resort, she leaves her household in the coastal town to settle in a house in Sydney with her hedonistic, carefree friend named Rhonda. While in Sydney, she is able to pursue her dream. Nonetheless, she discovers the realities of life. Although the film is seemingly a comedy, ˜Muriel's Wedding' addresses serious issues.
