Admitting to my colleagues that I had never seen the 1987 classic, Baby Boom, was no easy feat. They were shocked to learn that I had missed Diane Keaton’s portrayal of a high-powered New York City consultant who unexpectedly inherits a baby instead of the wealth she anticipated. I tried to defend myself by explaining that I was preoccupied with films like Moonstruck, Dirty Dancing, and Broadcast News, but my coworkers were not swayed. Eventually, I agreed to watch the film, despite my reservations about how well a story about balancing a career and motherhood in the late ’80s would resonate in 2015.
Ultimately, I found myself both entertained and slightly disillusioned. While Baby Boom is undoubtedly a charming comedy that I would have adored in my younger years, it also contains elements that are painfully relevant even today. Here are my reflections from the viewing experience:
- The film opens with women in power suits and big hair, accompanied by a voiceover declaring, “Sociologists say the new working woman is the phenomenon of our time.” I chuckled at this notion, only to feel a pang of sadness reflecting on how our current societal “phenomena” have taken a turn for the worse, yearning for simpler times.
- Keaton’s character, J.C., is humorously dubbed “The Tiger Lady” at work, and I found it odd that she embraces such a sexist moniker, akin to calling herself “That Bitch.” Also, Keaton seems to have defied the aging process over the decades.
- Let’s not forget James Spader’s appeal during this era—his hair had its own charisma, in stark contrast to his later roles.
- Shoulder pads, while often criticized, have a certain geometric appeal in retrospect. Sure, they create a linebacker silhouette, but there’s something striking about that look.
- J.C.’s belted suits were undeniably stylish. Why aren’t we revisiting wide belts over blazers today? After all, fashion icons like Michelle Obama have given us the green light to experiment with belts.
- A scene where J.C. takes a phone call in bed sticks with me—her nightgown mirrors a button-up shirt, and the presence of a Rolodex on her nightstand symbolizes status. Remember when a speakerphone was the height of technology?
- The baby handoff in an airport’s arrivals lounge raised questions about airport security, TWA’s downfall, and the absurdity of a will that arranges a baby transfer in such a public place. Note to self: revisit my will.
- Dropping her baby off at coat check in a restaurant? While it’s meant to be humorous, it feels implausible today—imagine that scene in a contemporary film!
- During a guilty shopping spree at FAO Schwarz, J.C. gifts her daughter a Cricket doll. The nostalgia!
- The adoption agency resembles a school office, and J.C. hands off the child as casually as one would pass around yard sale items—a hilarious yet unsettling depiction of child care.
- J.C. faces discrimination at work, losing her demanding account and partnership prospects due to her new mom status. “I’m not going to turn into Erma Bombeck!” she protests, prompting me to wonder how many women still face such subtle biases today.
- J.C.’s friends on the playground sport some seriously voluminous outfits, reminiscent of a quirky American Apparel campaign.
- After relocating to Vermont, J.C. finds love with Sam Shepard. I couldn’t help but google “young Sam Shepard” to see how time has changed him from a heartthrob to the grizzled patriarch in Bloodline.
- For dedicated fans, it’s interesting to note that Baby Boom was adapted into a short-lived TV series in 1988, featuring Kate Jackson. Yes, I missed that too, but at least I’ve finally watched the movie.
In conclusion, while Baby Boom remains an enjoyable film, it also exposes the ongoing struggles women face in balancing careers and motherhood, reflecting a reality that is still relevant today. For further insights into the journey of parenthood and fertility, check out these resources as well as this expert guide for a deeper understanding of the insemination process. Additionally, Medical News Today offers excellent articles on pregnancy and related topics.
Summary
My reflections on Baby Boom reveal a blend of nostalgia and current relevance. The film captures the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, with themes that resonate even today.