10 Things I Hate About You

This movie, directed by Gil Junger is an attempt to make people see how radical the lives of these teenagers are. They show us examples of radical romance, but really throughout the plot; and at the end, the movie maintains the status quo. The status quo is not just kept by these high school students, parents, and leading figures but by their society as a whole. 10 Things I Hate About You starts off with a new kid in school (Cameron) who is blown away by a  beautiful girl who has just crossed his path; Bianca. He wants to date Bianca, but there are two problems. Bianca is not only not part of his click, her standards, but his high school "class." Bianca is a Stratford, her sister Kat is considered a heinous bitch by most, and they are not allowed to date. Cameron's only hope to take Bianca out is to find someone who will date her sister. At first the father does not allow either one of them to date. Then he changes the rule to Bianca being able to date; when Kat does. Cameron along with his friend Michael are in search of finding the guy who will date Kat. At first the problem only seemed to be that Bianca was out of his league, and not allowed to date; but later Cameron and Michael realize that the only way for Cameron to get someone to take Kat out, is by paying them to do so. This is one of the most important parts of the movies. Not only does this show us that we are not "autonomous" because Cameron has to depend on Michael; but they both must depend on Joey. Joey is the wallet, he is who provides Patrick the money to take Kat out, and therefore they all depend on each other. We are always already "unstable" and "in play" because we always depend on one another.

If Joey is the one with the money, then can he not then be considered the owner or master, are those relationships not present as well? They are, because in order for Joey to get Bianca, Cameron and Michael must convince, advice, and help Patrick seduce Kat. They are all dependent. Bianca relies on Cameron to be able to go out, Kat depends on Patrick to be the different person that proves her wrong, and Michael depends on Cameron and Patrick’s success to get Kat to go out, in order for Joey to admit that Michael exists. There are not just economical, but social relationships that coincide with the present standards in our society. Men in this movie have the position of power; have the privilege and luxury to be in command, and in control of the woman. Bianca an Kat's father is an uptight person who believes that his daughters are in danger if they take action in everyday life. He keeps them away from boys by not allowing them to date. He makes and breaks the rules. He does not want Kat to go away for college; he tries to hold her back. Joey is the future "Successful American." Joey purchases everything. Joey is like a character plugged in from the movie American Physco. Joey puts a value on it all, not sentimental, more economical value.

10 Things I Hate About You is a romantic comedy that shows us the switching of roles, the desire of sex, and the construction of characters that define different economical positions, situations, and gender roles, even within the same gender. Jenny from the movie 10 is like Bianca's friend in 10 Things I Hate About you. Bianca's friend is a free spirit that believes in independence, is willing to get everything she wants, no matter what the consequences might be, and she cares a lot about status. After Joey treats Bianca carelessly, Bianca's friend is still interested in Joey. Bianca in this movie represents society’s woman, what woman should be like in mens eyes. Bianca represents purity, untouched love, and morality. Since Bianca is a character that has these qualities, she is the desired. Bianca thinks she is loved by everyone, but really she is sexually wanted "What does this chick have, beer flavored nipples?" (Heath Ledger/Patrick). Her intelligence does not matter, what matters is the assumption of her being a virgin. Joey thinks that he is a god, and what Joey wants; Joey gets.

Throughout the entire movie we see what is thought of as radical romance. Situations like Kat once being popular, but giving away her virginity to Joey, now using that situation as a motive to be the bitch people make her out to be. However even if Patrick and Kat's love seem radical because they both have a horrible reputation, Kat only has wanted love all along (like George in 10), and even if the road was bumpy; love is what she finds in Patrick. This movie is one of the most incredible examples of something with a facade of radical romance, but within the masks, maintaining the status quo. Kat and Patrick's relationship gives us an example of radical romance, switching of the roles, and the modern woman. Joey shows us how he is the representation of the powerful man in charge, the woman and man compared to the master and slave. Cameron willing to have someone purchase Bianca's attention for him shows us the dependence, and the construction of what we think is extreme; only being an example of daily situations people act out for their own convenience. 10 Things I Hate About You is the modern romantic comedy that has a radical but normal twist, it proves to us that things have not changed.