By Margaret Curtis, PhD
Divorce emerges as the great theme of Fall 2012. Can Meryl Streep finally divorce the
charming Alec Baldwin in It's Complicated? Can the American public divorce itself from infatuation,
too? Charmers convince you they’re in love with you. Examination of their
campaign posters, though, shows the object of their affection—and, Honey, it
ain’t YOU!
In this superb comedy, Meryl Streep bedazzles both her bedazzled men, her family and--always!--her audience. Sure, she fell in love with that playboy when she was young
and silly. Now, though, her eyes sparkle as she sees through his endless
come-ons—and goof-offs. She realizes she will be swinging forever in limbo if
she believes his advertising appeal lasts a lifetime.
As her
wannabe, maybe, sometimes husband, Alec Baldwin also gives a performance of a
lifetime. Could anyone do better as a frustrated politician, who can’t resist
romancing every woman he encounters, making them believe that only he possesses
the key to their hearts—and, Honey, it ain’t abortion! (9_9) Sexting his own
ex-wife proves his downfall. Better cover up that belly, Ally! (9_9)
As her new
partner, Steve Martin also proves the perfect choice in It’s Complicated. Who better understands comedy than this veteran
of Saturday Night Live, the Straight
Man of the Year? He can’t stand less than honest commitment. He wins her, loses
her, and wins her again in good cinematic fashion. This plot-line mirrors political
polls, showing the Good Guy can still win women voters!
Seriously,
folks, as that consummate comedian Johnny Carson would say, can voters pretend
their hearts were not broken when they voted for the history books, instead of
on the issues? If you remain a big fan of unemployment, marriage to infatuation
remains a possibility. But, Honey, once you get youthful indiscretion out of
your system, (9_9) your choice is not really complicated anymore.
*Readers of this column
will recognize the emoticon for Rolling Eyes.
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