Amy Schumer has always tried to come across as a funny and relatable “every-woman” in her stand up and films. For the most part, people connect with the deeply personal stories she shares — and it appears that she is trying to once again appeal to the “average” woman.
In her latest film, I Feel Pretty, Schumer stars as a woman who struggles with body positivity and self-confidence. After sustaining a head injury (by falling off of a SoulCycle bike, LOL), Schumer’s character suddenly begins to view herself as beautiful, even though nothing about her has physically changed.
Schumer recently shared a trailer for the film and said in a Twitter message, “Change everything, without changing anything. Watch the trailer for my new comedy, I Feel Pretty – coming soon to theaters. #FeelPretty.”
Change everything, without changing anything. Watch the trailer for my new comedy, I Feel Pretty – coming soon to theaters. #FeelPretty pic.twitter.com/TITRYJSGc4
— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) February 8, 2018
At a first glance, the message of the movie seems incredibly positive: you don’t need to change anything about yourself to be beautiful; it’s only a matter of perspective. But many people were quick to point out some of the more problematic elements of the film.
YourTango pointed out that Schumer’s looks conform to what are considered “normal” beauty standards saying, “This [I Feel Pretty] is a false premise of a normal woman prancing around like she’s me, close to double her size, and making money off the insecurities of women all over.”
Comedian Sofie Hagan also expressed frustration over the trailer. She shared her feelings in a long Twitter thread, that read in part, “Who is this meant to resonate with? Before we can enjoy the premise, surely, we have to buy into the fact that she is not pretty. How many of us are bigger than her? Are we supposed to accept that THIS is ugly when it’s all we’ve been taught that we should aim for?”
I understand that there are people who look exactly like Amy Schumer who do feel ugly or unattractive. But that doesn’t change the fact that those people will still be treated better by society than someone actually fat, actually not white, actually not femme-passing.
— Sofie Hagen (@SofieHagen) February 9, 2018
Also how about instead of her ‘hitting her head and damaging her brain’ in order to become so deluded that she’d think she was ACTUALLY pretty, she read about capitalism and realised that women’s low self-esteem is a patriarchal ploy and that she is worthy of self-love?
— Sofie Hagen (@SofieHagen) February 9, 2018
But not all of the online reactions were negative. Many people viewed the trailer in a positive light and felt that the movie would share an inspirational message.
I’m not sure I’ve ever related to anything more in my whole life. I want to hit my head and gain confidence. https://t.co/5o0yEF3QUc
— Emily Clark (@emilynclark) February 9, 2018
I am so in love with this whole message and the fact that it is hilarious! No doubt it is going to be the best thing ever! @amyschumer https://t.co/MpqSby2OxK
— Rachel Wadsworth (@RachelHardeman1) February 9, 2018
I can tell this will be my new favorite feel good movie. Can you imagine if we ALL started thinking of ourselves as supermodels??? #IFeelPretty https://t.co/BnfgGn5vAx
— Chrissy Gikis (@chrissy_gikis) February 9, 2018
I don’t understand why everyone is making such a big deal about this film. It looks hilarious and it’s all embracing theme is that confidence wins over everything! Why can’t people see that? She’s trying to portray how society is wrong y’all. I’m excited to see it.
— Trishina (@alexistrishina) February 9, 2018
No matter what side of the debate you fall on, it’s important to remember that we need to be conscious consumers of media, and make sure our films and television shows are representing the stories and views of all people.
I Hit Pretty will hit theaters in June.