Miss Representation

Next Thursday, 10/20, at 9/8c, we all have an assignment.  We have to, first, find out what channel OWN is on our cable lineup (it's 219 on TWC in LA, for those of you near me).  And then we have to set our DVRs.  And then we have to watch "Miss Representation".  This is a documentary that debuted at Sundance and it was the only film I was interested in.  I'm thrilled that Oprah is distributing it on her network, which is accessible to anyone with cable.  Because this is a film that many need to see.  It is more than a documentary...it is a movement.  I've only seen the trailer but I know it is going to be thought-provoking, disturbing and  galvanizing.   As a woman, you have to watch.  If you are a man who has ever loved a woman - mother, wife, girlfriend, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, friend - you have to watch.  The way women are portrayed in the media, the way we see ourselves, the way we value our worth - it is all intertwined.  And the more we recognize that, the more we can work to change that.  I'm posting the trailer and, fair warning, there are highly sexualized images in it.  But then again...those images are everywhere, aren't they?  And I'm not a 'prude' by any means.  Sex is a part of life that is important, beautiful and has a place in art.  But I also believe that women are reduced to only sexualized images too often and are rarely valued for their intellect and wit in this society.  It's something I've struggled with as an actor.  I've always seen myself as the girl-next-door that is smart and funny.  But those roles are few and far between when you're in your twenties - especially smaller roles.  Because in your 20s you're supposed to be hot and sexy, right?  Sexy to me is being comfortable and confident - no matter your packaging (body type or clothing).  The length of your skirt or the size of your cleavage shouldn't define your attractiveness.  But...as you'll see in this trailer...there is a very narrow definition of "sexy" in the land of TV and film.  I could go on all day but you should just watch the trailer and then watch the documentary next week.