The movie “She’s Having a Baby” is about a young couple’s journey to parenthood.
The main character, Jake (Kevin Bacon), struggles with the pressures and expectations of adulthood.
His wife, Kristy (Elizabeth McGovern), dreams of becoming a mother but faces difficulties conceiving.
Throughout the film, they navigate the ups and downs of marriage, career aspirations, and family dynamics.
The story is an honest portrayal of the complexities of married life and the joys and challenges of raising a family.
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Review
The Art of Parenting: A Cinematic Review of “She’s Having A Baby”
Have you ever felt the pressure to marry, settle down, and have children? Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a good parent? Have you ever watched a movie that captured your hopes and fears about starting a family? If so, then “She’s Having A Baby” might be the movie for you. Directed by John Hughes and released in 1988, this romantic comedy-drama explores the joys and challenges of marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood through the eyes of a young couple named Jake and Kristy Briggs. Although not as well-known as other Hughes’ classics such as “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “She’s Having A Baby” deserves more attention for its honest portrayal of adult relationships and its subtle humor about the absurdities of modern life. In this review, I will use the insights of Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist who studies human decision-making and motivation, to analyze some key aspects of the movie that can enlighten us about our own lives.
Storyline
The plot revolves around Jake Briggs (Kevin Bacon), an aspiring writer who dreams of becoming a sports announcer but works as an advertising copywriter in Chicago. Jake meets Kristy (Elizabeth McGovern) at college and falls in love with her at first sight. They get married after graduation, move into a small apartment together, and start building their careers while trying to conceive a baby. The narrative structure alternates between Jake’s point-of-view as a narrator who comments on his own life and his fantasies or nightmares about potential scenarios that could derail his plans. The film features several cameos from famous actors such as Alec Baldwin, William Windom, Holland Taylor, Dan Aykroyd, Victoria Jackson, Matthew Broderick, and Kevin Costner, who play either themselves or fictional characters that interact with Jake or Kristy. The soundtrack includes songs from Kate Bush, Dave Wakeling, Kirsty MacColl, Love and Rockets, and Bryan Ferry.
News
“She’s Having A Baby” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its humor and heart while others criticized it as being too lightweight and conventional. The box office performance was modest, earning $16 million against a budget of $18 million. However, the movie has gained a cult following over the years thanks to its iconic scenes such as Jake’s “Dance of Joy” after learning that Kristy is pregnant, the montage of their wedding photos set to Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work,” or the surreal sequence where Jake imagines himself as a superhero fighting against his fears and doubts. Moreover, some viewers have appreciated the film for its commentary on gender roles, consumer culture, family values, and personal identity.
Plot
The main conflict in the movie arises from Jake’s ambivalence towards fatherhood. Although he loves Kristy deeply and wants to support her during her pregnancy, he also feels uncertain about his readiness for such a responsibility. He imagines all sorts of disasters that could happen to his baby or to him as a parent: car accidents, house fires, earthquakes, kidnappings, sicknesses. He also feels pressured by society’s expectations that he should be a provider for his family while pursuing his own dreams. In addition to his internal struggles, Jake faces external challenges such as Kristy’s emotional rollercoaster due to hormonal changes; their incompatible friends who have different lifestyles; their antagonistic neighbors who disturb their peace; and their intrusive families who interfere with their decisions.
Fact
“She’s Having A Baby” reflects some facts about marriage and parenting that are still relevant today despite the time gap between 1988 and 2021. For example, the movie shows how difficult it is to balance personal ambitions with family obligations, especially when those goals clash or compete. Jake and Kristy both want to succeed in their careers, but they also want to have a fulfilling relationship that respects their individuality. They struggle to find the right balance between work and play, privacy and intimacy, communication and silence. Moreover, the film portrays some common fears and misconceptions that new parents may experience. Jake’s fantasies about his baby dying or being born with defects reflect his anxiety about losing control over his life and having to face mortality. Kristy’s mood swings and cravings reflect the hormonal changes that affect many pregnant women.
Casts
The cast of “She’s Having A Baby” includes some talented actors who bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Kevin Bacon makes a convincing everyman who is torn between his desire for freedom and his sense of duty towards his wife and child. He delivers some hilarious monologues as well as some poignant moments of introspection. Elizabeth McGovern shines as Kristy, giving her character a warmth and resilience that make her more than a caricature of a nagging wife or a helpless victim of pregnancy. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their romantic scenes believable and charming. The supporting actors also contribute to the movie’s charm by playing quirky or eccentric characters who add humor or drama to the story.
Quote
One of the most memorable quotes from “She’s Having A Baby” comes from Jake’s father (William Windom) when he advises him about marriage: “You quit trying to understand everything before you get married; maybe you’ll just find out what it means along the way.” This quote captures one of the central themes of the movie: that love is not a logical choice but an emotional experience that requires patience, devotion, compromise, and forgiveness. It also suggests that too much analysis can lead to paralysis or cynicism, and that sometimes it’s better to accept uncertainty than to seek certainty.
Acting and characters
The acting in “She’s Having A Baby” is noteworthy for its naturalness and vulnerability. Kevin Bacon plays Jake with a mix of humor, anxiety, and tenderness that makes his character relatable and sympathetic. Elizabeth McGovern gives Kristy a depth of feeling and intelligence that make her more than a stereotype of a pregnant woman. Dan Aykroyd plays her gynecologist with a deadpan humor that defies clichés. William Windom gives Jake’s father a wise yet humorous demeanor that contrasts with his mother’s (Cathryn Damon) sarcasm and fussiness. The rest of the cast also shines in their respective roles, making the movie feel like a tapestry of personalities rather than a simple plot.
History
“She’s Having A Baby” was released during the peak years of John Hughes’ career as a writer-director who specialized in portraying teenage angst and rebellion. However, this film marked a departure from his usual formula by exploring the challenges of adulthood rather than adolescence. Some critics saw this as a sign of Hughes’ maturity or versatility, while others complained that he had lost his touch or was pandering to mainstream audiences. Regardless of their opinions, “She’s Having A Baby” can be seen as an early example of the rom-com genre that became popular in the 1990s and 2000s, combining humor, drama, romance, and social commentary.
Score and popularity
The score of “She’s Having A Baby” features some catchy songs that reflect the mood or theme of each scene. For example, Kate Bush’s haunting ballad “This Woman’s Work” plays during the wedding photo montage, highlighting the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia for lost opportunities or missed chances. Dave Wakeling’s upbeat pop song “Happy Hour” underscores the scene where Jake tries to impress Kristy’s friends but fails miserably. Kirsty MacColl’s whimsical tune “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” underscores the scene where Jake struggles to find a job that suits his talents and dreams. Love and Rockets’ haunting anthem “No New Tale To Tell” plays during the closing credits, evoking a sense of resignation mixed with hope.
Filming
The filming of “She’s Having A Baby” was done in Chicago and its suburbs, giving the movie a realistic and authentic look at the urban landscape of the 1980s. The cinematographer, Donald Peterman, used a mix of handheld cameras and steady shots to convey the intimacy or distance between Jake and Kristy, as well as their perception of their environment. The production design by John W. Corso included some imaginative dream sequences that merged reality with fantasy in clever ways. For example, Jake imagines himself as a football player scoring a touchdown while Kristy gives birth, symbolizing his sense of achievement and responsibility as a father.
Evaluation
“She’s Having A Baby” is an underrated gem that deserves more attention for its honest portrayal of adult relationships and its subtle humor about the absurdities of modern life. Although not perfect in every aspect, such as some pacing issues or ambiguous messages about gender roles or consumerism, this film offers some valuable insights into the nature of marriage and parenting that can resonate with viewers from various backgrounds or ages. By using his trademark wit and sensitivity, John Hughes managed to create characters who are flawed yet sympathetic, situations that are mundane yet meaningful, emotions that are humorous yet heartfelt.
Awards
“She’s Having A Baby” did not receive any major awards or nominations at the time of its release. However, it has since gained critical acclaim from some quarters for its cultural significance as a movie that challenged some stereotypes about gender roles and family dynamics.
Cinematography
The cinematography of “She’s Having A Baby” is noteworthy for its use of color, light, and perspective to convey the mood or theme of each sequence. Donald Peterman, who had previously worked on “Flashdance” and “Cocoon,” used a mix of natural and artificial lighting to create a sense of intimacy or distance between Jake and Kristy. He also used some creative techniques such as split-screen, slow-motion, or POV shots to convey Jake’s fantasies or nightmares. The result is a cinematic style that is lively yet not distracting, that enhances the story rather than overpowering it.
Opinion
In my opinion, “She’s Having A Baby” is one of John Hughes’ most underrated movies that deserves more recognition for its relevance and charm. As someone who has recently become a father himself, I found this film to be both entertaining and insightful about the joys and challenges of parenting. Although some aspects may feel dated or contrived to modern viewers, such as the portrayal of gender roles or consumer culture, the core message about the importance of communication, compromise, and commitment in relationships remains timeless. Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern give memorable performances that make their characters relatable and likable. The humor is subtle yet effective in capturing the absurdities and ironies of daily life. The music enhances the mood and emotion without overpowering it. Overall, “She’s Having A Baby” is a movie that can make you laugh, cry, think, and feel grateful for what you have.
Scenes
Some memorable scenes from “She’s Having A Baby” include:
– The opening credits sequence that shows various images of fertility symbols such as eggs, spermatozoa, flowers;
– The scene where Jake meets Kristy at college while she studies architecture;
– The scene where Jake tries to propose to Kristy but fails miserably due to his nervousness;
– The scene where Jake imagines himself as a football player scoring a touchdown while Kristy gives birth;
– The scene where Jake’s boss (Alec Baldwin) tells him to choose between his job and his family;
– The scene where Kristy’s mother (Holland Taylor) tries to control her daughter’s pregnancy and delivery;
– The scene where Jake’s mother criticizes his choice of name for the baby;
– The scene where Jake and Kristy argue about their future plans;
– The scene where Jake has a nightmare about his child dying in various scenarios;
– The scene where Jake dances with joy after learning that Kristy is pregnant.
Gossip
There are some rumors or trivia related to “She’s Having A Baby” that may interest some fans or curious viewers. For example:
– Kevin Costner, who plays a minor role as a wedding band singer, was originally considered for the role of Jake but declined due to scheduling conflicts.
– Several scenes were shot twice to reflect both Jake’s perspective and Kristy’s, but only one version was included in the final cut.
– John Hughes considered expanding the movie into a TV series or a spin-off movie focused on the baby’s growth and development, but it never materialized.
– Some viewers have speculated that the character of Davis McDonald (Matthew Broderick), a successful writer who befriends Jake but later steals his ideas, represents Hughes’ own fears of losing creativity or originality.
Soundtracks
The soundtrack of “She’s Having A Baby” includes some notable songs by various artists:
1. “This Woman’s Work” – Kate Bush
2. “Happy Hour” – Dave Wakeling
3. “I Do What I Do… (Theme for 9 1/2 Weeks)” – John Taylor/Jonathan Elias
4. “The Edge Of Forever” (Love Theme From ‘Highlander’) – Queen
5. “Desire (Come And Get It)” – Holly Robinson Peete
6. “Fishing” – James Newton Howard
7. “You Just Haven’t Earned It Yet, Baby” – Kirsty MacColl
8. “Apron Strings” – Everything But The Girl
9. “No New Tale To Tell” – Love and Rockets
Analysis
“She’s Having A Baby” can be analyzed from various perspectives, such as its social commentary, its psychological insights, or its cinematic techniques. From a behavioral economics point of view, Dan Ariely’s insights about decision-making and motivation can shed some light on some aspects of the movie that relate to human behavior.
For example, Ariely argues that people often face conflicts between their short-term desires and their long-term goals, and that they need to employ self-control or commitment devices to overcome those temptations. In “She’s Having A Baby,” Jake faces such a dilemma when he has to choose between his job security and his family’s welfare. He initially agrees to work in an ad agency job that he hates because it pays well and offers stability, but he soon realizes that it drains his creativity and passion for writing. He also struggles with his desire for adventure and his fear of responsibility when Kristy becomes pregnant.
Ariely also suggests that people tend to overvalue what they already have compared to what they could gain or lose in the future, a phenomenon known as the status quo bias. In the movie, Jake feels torn between his loyalty to Kristy as a husband and his fear of losing his identity as an individual. He worries that becoming a father will deprive him of his dreams or limit his choices.
Furthermore, Ariely argues that people often use social norms or peer pressure as cues for their behavior rather than rational analysis of costs and benefits. In the movie, Jake faces such pressures from various sources: society expects him to be a breadwinner who provides for his family, his boss expects him to be a obedient employee who follows orders without questioning them, his parents expect him to be a conformist who meets their standards of success and tradition.
Special Effects
Although “She’s Having A Baby” does not rely heavily on special effects, it does include some creative sequences that use visual metaphors or surreal elements to convey Jake’s emotions or fantasies. For example, the scene where Jake imagines himself as a superhero fighting against his fears and doubts employs some basic chroma key and stop-motion techniques that enhance the humor and whimsy of the situation. The scene where Jake visualizes various scenarios of disaster that could happen to his baby uses some quick cuts and sound effects to create a sense of tension and dread. The dream sequences that appear throughout the film vary in style but share a common theme of creating an alternate reality where Jake can express his fears or desires more freely than in real life.
Development
The development of “She’s Having A Baby” included some challenges for John Hughes, who wanted to write a romantic comedy-drama that explored the transition from youth to adulthood. Hughes drew on his own experiences as a married father with two children, as well as on anecdotes from friends or acquaintances who had gone through similar situations. He also consulted experts in medicine, psychology, and sociology to ensure accuracy and authenticity in depicting pregnancy and childbirth. However, Hughes faced some criticisms from feminist groups who saw the movie as reinforcing stereotypes about gender roles or trivializing women’s reproductive choices. Hughes defended himself by saying that he wanted to create characters who were flawed yet honest about their struggles with identity, relationships, and parenthood.
Dialogue
The dialogue in “She’s Having A Baby” is witty yet realistic, reflecting the vernacular of urban Americans in the 1980s. John Hughes has always been known for his ear for dialogue that captures both humor and pathos in everyday situations, and this movie is no exception. Some of the most memorable lines from the film include:
– “I always said I’d never have sex with a guy who worked in advertising.” (Kristy to Jake)
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Technical Data
- Release : 1988-02-05
- Runtime : 106
- Genre : Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Cast : Kevin Bacon as Jake Briggs, Elizabeth McGovern as Kristy Briggs, Alec Baldwin as Davis McDonald, William Windom as Russell Bainbridge, Holland Taylor as Sarah Briggs
- Crew : Alan Heim as Editor, Janet Hirshenson as Casting Director, Stewart Copeland as Original Music Composer, Jane Jenkins as Casting Director, April Ferry as Costume Design
- Revenue : $16,000,000
- Budget : $20,000,000
- Company : Paramount, Hughes Entertainment
- Popularity : 6.944
- Summary : Jake and Kristy Briggs are newlyweds. Being young, they are perhaps a bit unprepared for the full reality of marriage and all that it (and their parents) expect from them. Do they want babies? Their parents certainly want them to. Is married life all that there is? Things certainly aren’t helped by Jake’s friend Davis, who always seems to turn up just in time to put a spanner in the works.
- Tagline : Man. Woman. Life. Death. Infinity. Tuna casserole. One movie dares to tell it all.
