She-Devil (1989)

another rom coms revisited <3

We’re going back a little earlier in time today: to 1989. Before we start, let me give you an idea of what we’re working with here:

“And that’s what I think women find from my novels, they find ways to make their man feel important and comfortable. To let him know that he is the man. You know, so there’s no confusion.”

- Mary Fisher

Vom!!

The Wikipedia synopsis: She-Devil is a 1989 American black comedy film directed by Susan Seidelman and written by Barry Strugatz and Mark R. Burns. It stars Meryl Streep, Roseanne Barr (in her film debut) and Ed Begley Jr. A loose adaptation of the 1983 novel The Life and Loves of a She-Devil by British writer Fay Weldon, She-Devil tells the story of Ruth Patchett, a housewife, who exacts devilish revenge after her philandering husband leaves her and their children for glamorous, best-selling romance novelist Mary Fisher.

Note: Real life Roseanne Barr sucks. She is the worst. I can’t stand her. But in this movie, she’s our devilish protagonist.

From the very first scene, Ed Begley Jr’s character (Bob) is a terrible husband. He’s just so weak. A brazen liar and emotional abuser. He starts up an affair with one of his accounting clients, famous romance novelist Mary Fisher. Ahem: this is unfathomable because Mary is way out of his league (she’s published nearly 40 books!).

Sadly, his wife Ruth blames herself. She says, “I will try to look attractive for my husband. Bob’s just going through a phase. And when it’s over I’ll be here. Ready and waiting for him. Mary Fisher you’re just a fling, a novelty, an infatuation. Bob doesn’t love you.” Cut to Bob saying “I love you” to Mary.

I’m gonna be honest, at first I hated this movie. Much of the writing is misogynistic and fatphobic, plus the whole Roseanne sucks thing. But as the minutes ticked on, it grew on me. I enjoyed watching a very dramatic Meryl in all of her all-pink late-80’s glamour (including her fabulous seaside pink mansion, pink circular bed, and pink outfits). And boy is it campy.

the mansion