Feminist Review: Easy A

I feel like there was once a room full of idealistic people who sat in a room and said “hey, let’s make a movie about the horrible double standard American girls have to face when it comes to virginity.” They came up with ideas about how to make a smart film that dealt with peer pressure, sex, homophobia and so much more. But then some producers got a hold of the idea, and it turned into the sigh-fest that is Easy A.

I feel the trailer gave a somewhat skewed version of what the film’s really about. Olive (played by Emma Stone) is an outcast at her high school, despite being beautiful and intelligent. When her only friend (who she seemingly can’t stand) asks her to go camping, Olive refuses, saying she has a date. It’s a lie, but it gets her out of camping. Later, when asked about the date, Olive says that she had sex with this imaginary man. Soon, everyone in her school thinks she’s a whore. Maybe things have changed since I graduated high school … in 2007, but I don’t really remembering gossip spreading A) that fast, especially about someone who is supposedly the least popular girl in school, B) about virginity outside of a group of friends, and usually then it was in the context of “yay, this happened,” followed by hugs and squeals. Or maybe high-fives depending on your friends.

Regardless, her Gay Best Friend then asks if she can fake sleeping with him at a party so that people will stop gay bashing him. The lead in to this event was fairly good, with some commentary about how in high school you can hope things will get better in college, but ultimately you’re at the mercy of your peers for four years. The aftermath … not so much. After jumping on a bed and moaning to simulate sex (and naturally, a moment when Gay Best Friend was afraid he might actually have to touch a vagina), he walks out to be greeted by cheering peers. Olive walks out slowly, head down, feeling ashamed for merely pretending to have sex.

As the film progresses, other boys in her school being paying her to allow them to spread rumors that they slept together. Again: boys are giving her money and gifts so that they can pretend to have had sex, because apparently if you haven’t had sex and are male, you’re worthless.