Physical health in Film – Exploring the impact of Hollywood’s lack of body diversity in films.
By Renee Bakis
Physical health is something that is often very subjective when it comes to the film industry, which can be a good or a bad thing. Hollywood often has a distorted view on what is on what is considered healthy on/off screen, so it makes sense that this has led to confusion amongst those of us who have grown up watching films from an impressionable young age. We often see a subliminal theme of the “ideal” body shape and a distorted view on diet and fitness in films which can lead to distorted perceptions in real life.
Often in films, main characters who are slim or muscular are considered “desirable or successful” and the characters who are overweight are viewed as “comedic or unpopular”. This is problematic in the sense that it gives people an unobtainable ideal that can result in unhealthy practices and unrealistic expectations that can be very damaging for our health in both the short and long term. With the “glow up” culture being a strong influence amongst the younger generation, it can be difficult to relate to the concept of accepting the body you are in and focusing on health over appearance.
In the last few years, we have seen some change in the film industry with more inclusive casting and realistic depictions when it comes to body diversity and positivity which will hopefully lead to better education and representation moving forward.
Photo by @byoungphoto via Twenty20
ARTICLES/BLOGS/WEBSITES
If you want to explore some criticism around the portrayals of body diversity in film, these articles are a great place to start. Though most focus on the negative influence that films play in our altering our views, it also highlights how there is more self-awareness to this issue which is an encouraging sign that we are moving in the right direction.
More Realistic Physical Representations in Media Will Support Youth Mental Health https://www.scholarsandstorytellers.com/representation-blogs/diversity-in-hollywood-how-to-write-characters-with-body-diversity
Body images in the media: Unrealistic and Unattainable
https://medium.com/@10782376/body-images-in-the-media-unrealistic-and-unattainable-d76b97fadd07
How movies influence or dietary behaviour.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286416797_How_Movies_Influence_Our_Dietary_Behaviour
As A Body-Positive Fitness Instructor, I Hate How Hollywood Portrays Being Fit And Diet-Culture
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/as-a-size-doesnt-matter-i-hate-how-hollywood-portrays-the-fit-girl
14 Female celebrities that bash Hollywoods ideal body image
FILMS
Of course, we had to mention some films that highlight this topic of discussion. We have collated a short list of some of the films have a varied portrayal of physical health and body diversity, some are more realistic than others, but we wanted to show how subjective Hollywood really can be.
Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.
Super Size Me (2004)
While examining the influence of the fast-food industry, Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
This is a film about 4 friends who all fit in the same pants (trousers) despite all being different shapes and sizes.
The DUFF (2015)
A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labelled the DUFF - Designated Ugly Fat Friend - by her prettier, more popular counterparts.
I Feel Pretty (2016)
This is about a woman who wakes after a fall believing she is her ideal self, despite her appearance never changing.
Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (2018)
The movie about a girl who doesn't meet the stereotypical standards of beauty, who finds love and learns to love herself.
SHORT FILMS
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something shorter or made by independent filmmakers, check out these short films on youtube. Some of these films might be triggering, so watch at your own discretion.
Lose Some Weight- A short film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uia5mqvTeh4
MY BODY - A Body Shaming Short Film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8TN3n1ASkM
THE CHOICE (Short Animated Movie) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HEnohs6yYw
Are You Living an Insta Lie? Social Media Vs. Reality - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EFHbruKEmw