Recently, I made an embarrassing confession to my colleagues: I had never seen the iconic 1987 film, Baby Boom. The shocked reactions were palpable; they couldn’t fathom how I had overlooked Diane Keaton’s portrayal of a high-powered New York consultant who unexpectedly inherits a child instead of wealth. I attempted to defend myself by mentioning other significant films from that year, but my coworkers were unswayed. They insisted I rectify this gap in my cinematic knowledge, so I dedicated two hours to watching the Nancy Meyers classic, despite my skepticism about its relevance in 2015.
To my surprise, Baby Boom proved to be a delightful blend of comedy and drama centered around the challenges faced by a working mother. While I enjoyed it, I couldn’t help but notice some cringe-worthy elements that still resonate today. Here are the thoughts that crossed my mind during the screening:
- The film opens with women in power suits and voluminous hairstyles, accompanied by a voiceover declaring, “Sociologists say the new working woman is the phenomenon of our time.” This concept elicited both laughter and sadness as I reflected on contemporary issues like revenge porn overshadowing earlier feminist milestones.
- Diane Keaton’s character, J.C., is dubbed “The Tiger Lady” at work—an unflattering nickname that raises questions about self-acceptance in the face of sexism. Remarkably, Keaton looks as youthful as ever nearly three decades later.
- James Spader’s charm is undeniable, even if The Blacklist has shifted our perceptions of him.
- Shoulder pads are not as offensive as I once thought; their geometric appeal gives them a unique aesthetic.
- J.C.’s belted suits were undeniably fashionable. With Michelle Obama endorsing belts over cardigans, it seems we should embrace belted shoulder-padded outfits once more.
- A memorable scene features J.C. taking a call in bed, complete with a nightgown resembling a dress shirt and a Rolodex as a status symbol. The nostalgia for such technology made me smile.
- J.C. receives her baby in a hasty exchange at an airport, prompting me to ponder how she navigated security and the peculiar stipulations of a will that leads to such a handoff.
- The humorous premise of leaving a baby at coat check in a high-end restaurant would likely not translate well in today’s cinematic landscape.
- During a shopping spree at FAO Schwarz, J.C. gifts her daughter a Cricket doll, a reminder of simpler toys from the past.
- The adoption agency scene feels surreal, with J.C. casually passing off her child as if it were an old toy, raising concerns about the portrayal of parenting.
- Her bosses’ decision to remove her from critical accounts due to her motherhood left me questioning the subtle discrimination women still face today.
- J.C.’s friends on the playground sport outfits and hairstyles that are now nostalgic, reflecting a bygone era of fashion.
- J.C.’s romantic interest, played by Sam Shepard, sparked curiosity about how time has transformed familiar faces, including his own.
- As a fun fact, Baby Boom inspired a short-lived TV series featuring new faces, which I, regrettably, also missed.
After revisiting this classic film, I reflected on its blend of humor and poignant commentary on motherhood and workplace dynamics. Baby Boom remains relevant, highlighting the ongoing struggles and triumphs of working mothers today.
For those interested in deepening their understanding of home insemination, I recommend checking out this excellent resource for pregnancy insights, and delve into this informative post on the terms and conditions surrounding the process. If you’re on a journey toward parenthood, Make a Mom offers valuable guidance as well.
Summary
The film Baby Boom provides humor and insight into the life of a working mother, reflecting on societal changes and the ongoing challenges women face in balancing careers and family. Through its comedic lens, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of motherhood that remains relevant today.