Shampoo

Now, I admit I didn't know what to expect when we were assigned the task of watching, 'Shampoo' - from the DVD box, it appeared to be simply a camp 70s chick flick - however I was definitely wrong.

'Shampoo' actually worked for me on several different levels - it was on one level, a flick but again on the other, quite an emotional character drama which tells the story of George (Warren Beatty), a playboy hairdresser who's philandering lifestyle truly gets the better of him. This film does not have a happy ending, rather it ends on a message - a moral and most likely, a truth.

The film deals with George's lifestyle which, at first, appears glamourous, but soon we see the true effect of his ways on both himself and others - as he tries to deal with all the women in his life while trying to raise funds to open his own hair salon.

The performances are, in my opinion, average on the whole. Warren Beatty gives a credible but not outstanding performance as does Julie Christie as Jackie Shawn, Beatty's lover.

It does, however, have many comic moments and was probably rather outrageous for its time. I made the mistake of not noticing the rating on the DVD box and was surprised to hear some of the graphic references to sex and the amount of swearing! It is of a classic 70s film style - the women are glamourous and the hair is big and brilliant.

The film represents women well, all four lead female character's are strong... in fact stronger than the men - although George is essentially the film's protaganist - he is not in control. The women of the film make the desicions and control the drama.

George's lifestyle is also a reflection of the society and culture of the time - set in 1968 just as Nixon is coming into power - it was a time of free love and lots and lots of sex!

I did enjoy the film - however I feel it could be percieved as rather dated now - I believe it will be remembered more as a snapshot of life at that time rather than a timeless comedy.