Blog Post # 12 :Connection between bromantic comedy and Grazian’s article

In the Hangover, Stu, Phil, Doug and Alan; within this tight friendship/bromance relationship, everybody's opinion within the group matters and they build each others' confidence. Their behavior toward one another is immature however, they are very honest to each other. What they have to say toward one other is taken into account and influences or discourages certain behaviors or dress codes. This goes to say that males depend on other males approval. For example, in the movie, the scene where the gang picks up Stu, they yell over, "Paging doctor Faggot" or when Phil and Doug make fun of Alan's man purse (satchel). All of which, is saying to the other person that they should be more masculine and 'man up.' The movie puts a huge emphasis on male friendship and relationship between other males more highly as appose to that of a male and female relationship. Just look at their over all trip in general, "Whatever happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas" motto. Their wives and girlfriends had no idea what had happen all that time during the trip. The females would never be able to break the bromance bond.


Having read the article “The Girl Hunt: Urban Nightlife and the Performance of Masculinity as a Collective Activity” by David Gazian and having watched the movie "The Hangover" by director Tod Phillips, one can begin to grasp certain similarities and stereotypes between the two regarding the topic of male bonding otherwise known as bromances. A similar idea expressed in both the article as well as the movie is the fact that men are needed in groups to express their masculinity by following the 'guy code' as well as depending on other male approval. For such cases, in the movie, Phil never told Doug's wife that their marriage was jeopardized because Doug was missing and as a result of getting drunk, it brought the group much closer than they were before. Gazian stated, “Finally, once the locus of action moves to a more public venue such as a bar or nightclub, the much anticipated “girl hunt” itself proceeds as strategic display of masculinity best performed with a suitable game partner” (328). This in itself explains that men are needed in groups as well as their bromance relationship. Their bond is so tight and they work together to help each other out, whether in bars/clubs to pick up women or even helping each other in fights and whatnot. Such a case in the movie, everybody set aside their differences and their main goal was to find Doug. 

                                                                      Works Cited

 

Grazian, David. "The Girl Hunt: Urban Nightlife and the Performance of Masculinity as a Collective Activity".                  Men's Lives.  8th ed. Ed. Michael S. Kimmel and Michael A. Messner.  NewYork:Allyn               & Bacon, 2010.  320-337.Print.  

 

The Hangover.  Dir. Todd Phillips. Perf.  Bradley Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper and Justin Bartha                                  Warner Bros, 2009. DVD