“How ‘Birds of Prey’ went wrong” by Maia Fernandez Baigun
Compared to previous decades, it seems that society as a whole has progressed in terms of gender equality. Hollywood itself has seen a handful of movies written and directed by women in the industry, giving a sense of power to younger girls. Movies such as “Hidden Figures” and “Wonder Woman” convey the power and influence that women have. These do a great job of picturing these characters in society as heroes and “influencers.” “Birds of Prey” managed to convey this message – but only halfway.
Written and directed by women, and with a female-dominant cast, this movie would seem to pack the perfect “punch” with girl power. Although the film radiates with femme energy, the storyline lacks in every other aspect.
Meant to be a sequel to “Suicide Squad,” “Birds of Prey”’s storyline revolves around the heartbroken main character’s (Harley Quinn played by Margot Robbie) journey of survival in a world where people seem to be out to get her. In the previous movie, Quinn and her former lover, Joker, grow into an elaborate relationship. In the process, the duo wrong many citizens of the town, and after their breakup in “Birds of Prey,” their victims all want revenge. However, the storyline has very little to offer in terms of plot depth. Other than people’s angry feelings towards Quinn, she really has nothing else to work for – that is, other than her breakfast sandwich. Nothing seems to drive Quinn; rather her enemies are after her. She is the one escaping them instead of working towards a goal or achievement. Quinn never gives the audience a specific goal of hers; she simply does not want to get killed.
Other than the lack of profundity in the plot, the poor choice of wardrobe style throughout the movie adds to the experience the movie provides – or lacks to. Quinn is ultimately known for dressing eccentrically and not caring about her stylistic appearance in the public eye; however, the new characters introduced in the film do not have this same precedent. Helena (Mary Elizabeth Windstead), introduced as a traumatized villainess who seeks revenge on the murderers of her family, is pictured in non-elaborate outfits throughout the first half of the movie. Although she has more motive for action than Harley herself, she wants to remain unnoticed and wears a mask in public. After an encounter with Harley, Helena changes her whole appearance, wearing a flashy two-piece set and standing out from other characters in her ensemble. Although the film was a let-down in most aspects, the soundtrack stuck out positively and is worth a listen. “Birds of Prey” is a feminist movie; every scene has made that blatantly obvious. But, the lack of intrigue and the tackiness of the fight scenes make maintaining interest difficult. Although I wouldn’t call it “tasteless” per se, certain aspects of the film (like the plot and the costumes) definitely seemed forced into the storyline by the director and/or the designer.
