On Galentines Day, a few years ago, my best friend Meagan and I went to the movies together for Valentines Day.  We wanted to see the film “I, Tonya” with Margo Robbie.  I love this actress, and the movie had great reviews.  Upon arrival to the artsy fartsy theater, I loudly opened a bottle of wine.  Yes, ladies, bring your wine key everywhere.  Funnily enough, I decided to leave towards the end.  I said, “I think we all know the ending!”

Tanya Harding is portrayed as a white trash woman, a great skater who worked hard to get where she got in the Olympics.  However, since she is abused repeatedly, nonchalantly by her loved ones, she became exploited by capitalism in order to further their own lives in her shadow.  

Ironically called “a knockout.”  Wow, because her husband beat her?  That’s a KO.  I would hope to find more female-concentric film catering to my eye.  No.  The insidious Male Gaze remains.  I wish they could have portrayed her in a more sympathetic way.  She’s a victim of circumstance, while simultaneously prevailing over her limitations of poverty and her abusive mother and boyfriend.

How does a woman like this win when everyone is against her?  She does not.  She loses.   They did not even pay her for this film with her likeness.  I suppose any press is good press.  Unless it’s your body against a wall by an abusive prick.