As A Lady, I Am Offended
I was reading a Yahoo! News article about I, Robot pushing Spider-Man 2 out of the top spot this weekend when I came across a stunningly idiotic quote by Fox President of Domestic Distribution, Bruce Snyder:
“There’s a coldness to the science-fiction genre, but Will Smith brings a warmth to it and makes it palatable for the ladies.”
I won’t argue that the scientific/technical focus of science fiction can draw attention away from the more human aspects. The old stereotype of sci-fi=masculine and fantasy=feminine probably does hold some relevance in terms of ticket sale demographics. And I do like Will Smith. I think he’s talented, funny, not unattractive, and one of the more decent human beings in Hollywood.
But really, “palatable for the ladies”? Wouldn’t something along the lines of “more appealing to the female demographic that the typical movie in this genre” have been better? I’m sure you’re happy about the surprisingly good performance of I, Robot Mr. Snyder, but next time, think before you speak. Some of us ladies might find what you say more palatable if you do.
As for I, Robot, I’m a little torn about seeing it. I adore the director, Alex Proyas. His last big feature, Dark City, is quite possibly my favorite movie ever. But I have bad associations with one of the screenwriters, Akiva Goldsman, the man behind the horrors Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. And oh, what horrors they were…