Neo-Feminism in Confessions of a Shopaholic

In Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), the lead character, Rebecca, is a recent college graduate who is deep debt because of her shopping addiction. Ironically, She lands a job as a financial advisor in a New York magazine. Rebecca lies about her credentials to be able to get the job to support her addiction as well as to pay the bills. As a perfect Hollywood love story, Rebecca falls in love with her boss, who happens to be a rich entrepreneur. Although the film is about a young woman’s struggle against her typical feminine addiction, the end result is that she gets together with a rich guy who would be able to support her. She also becomes famous by doing her articles and lands an interview on national TV.

This film contains the traits that “constitute the ‘commonplaces’ of the genre, and which are linked to the neo-feminist paradigm,” (36) as Hilary Render mentions in her book Neo-Feminist Cinema. 1. Although the film is clearly directed at a female audience, Rebecca’s character “underlines appearance as a crucial aspect of feminine identity” (36). She’s always dressed fashionably, has makeup on, hair done in perfect waves, and acts in the typical feminine way that is socially constructed. The film begins by her speaking about the dream of owning nice shoes. 2. The ‘marriage plot’ is another trait included in this film. Rebecca ends up with the rich handsome guy of her own choice, who happens to also be in love with her (if only life worked that way). 3. “The protagonist is usually a single woman who works for a living, and whose work in some way defines her; however at the same time regardless of the role she plays, she is distinguished by her girlish personality and looks” (36). Rebecca lands a job as a finance advisor—a job that would typically call for a serious look, but our lead keeps her colorful, ‘girlish’ sense of style through out the film. Even during an important luncheon, Rebecca is dressed in a white suit and high heels, unable to escape her girly attitude and cheery personality. 4. One of the most important traits is the consumer culture presented in the film. This trait, according to Radner, is crucial in the setting, “as well as often providing tools that enable the heroine to resolve her conflict” (37). Rebecca connects with her boss in the scene she helps him shop for the important luncheon. Her addiction and knowledge helped her gain the love of her life.