The double standard of Ten Inch Hero

[agt_spooky]

One thing I forgot to mention the other day in my weekend wrap-up post was that I randomly caught Ten Inch Hero playing on the Movie Channel on Sunday. Haven't watched that in a while so it was a nice surprise.

But then I was reminded why it makes me mad. Now I love Jensen as Priestly. He was awesome. I loved his "screw you" attitude with regards to his appearance. That was who he was. And the underlying theme of the entire movie was that you shouldn't have to change who you are for people to accept you. That was true for Piper and Trucker and Jen and especially slutty Tish. But not Priestly! Oh no, he had to get rid of his mohawk, all his piercings, shave and dress like a stupid preppy in khakis and a button down shirt AND give his real name all for slutty Tish to finally give him the time of day. Really? REALLY? For HER? Sorry, Priestly, but you could have done SO much better. It just makes me so mad that he was the only character that couldn't remain true to himself.

Am I the only one who feels that way? Am I over-reacting?

Comments

[airealataiel.livejournal.com]

That was my initial reaction (and, I think, a lot of fans' reactions) but I have come to see it differently now.

I think that Priestly covered himself in tattoos, cut and colored his hair in wild ways, had lots of piercings, and wore witty clothing to mask who he was. By the end, we find out that Priestly is a very intelligent, emotionally deep guy. But in American society, males are expected to be tough, suave, emotionally distant, and cool. Priestly isn't that kind of "macho" guy, but I think that he didn't feel confident about showing his softer side, so instead he decided to portray himself as loud and rebellious.

The fact that he changed in the end shows that he is able to accept himself for who he is internally, and that he's stable enough to portray that acceptance outwardly as well. I think Tish helped him take the first step, but it was through her support rather than her demand that he was able to come out of his protective shell.

Also, I wish I had the link to it, but I read once an interview that Jensen did and he was asked that question or something similar, about whether or not he thought it was hypocritical. I think he had a good answer, so if I ever find it, I'll put it here. :)

[agt-spooky.livejournal.com]

Hmm....I just don’t see it that way. He looked so incredibly uncomfortable with his new appearance. If he would have walked in with his head held high, just as confident in khaki’s as a kilt, then I’d totally see your point. But he was all like, folding in on himself. And he did show his softer side by getting Jen and Fuzzy together.

[shrug] The movie just failed for me in regards to his character. But if you do ever find Jensen’s answer I’d really like to read it.