Recently, I sheepishly confessed to my colleagues that I had never seen the 1987 classic, Baby Boom, a film often hailed as a feminist milestone in cinema. “How could you have missed Diane Keaton as a high-powered management consultant who unexpectedly inherits a child instead of a fortune?” they asked incredulously. I tried to justify my absence by claiming I was busy enjoying more “important” films from that year, like Moonstruck, Dirty Dancing, and Broadcast News, but my colleagues weren’t having it. They gave me the cold shoulder until I finally agreed to watch the movie, despite my skepticism about whether a late ’80s film about balancing career and motherhood would resonate in 2015.
As it turns out, I was both right and wrong. Baby Boom is indeed a charming mix of workplace comedy and parenting dilemmas that I appreciated, though I might have loved it even more if I’d seen it as a teenager. Yet, it also has its awkward moments: many of the stereotypes around working mothers depicted in the film still ring true today. I found myself both laughing at how much has changed and noting the ways in which things remain the same.
1. The Opening Scene
The film opens with women in power suits and big hair, accompanied by a voiceover stating, “Sociologists say the new working woman is the phenomenon of our time.” I chuckled at the notion of this “new working woman” being labeled a “phenomenon,” only to feel a pang of sadness reflecting on how today’s phenomenon includes issues like revenge porn, making me long for simpler times.
2. The Nickname
Diane Keaton’s character, J.C., is nicknamed “Tiger Lady” at her office, and it’s perplexing why she embraces such a sexist label. It’s reminiscent of a woman calling herself “That Bitch.” Also, can we talk about how Diane Keaton looks just as youthful now as she did almost three decades ago?
3. James Spader
A quick note: James Spader looked quite dashing back then, in case anyone thinks The Blacklist has overshadowed his earlier appeal.
4. Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads, while no longer in vogue, have a certain geometric charm that I didn’t expect to appreciate.
5. Stylish Suits
However, her belted suits were undeniably stylish. Why aren’t we incorporating wide belts into our suits today? Michelle Obama showed us it’s acceptable to wear belts over cardigans, so let’s revive the belted shoulder-padded suit! #trendspotting
6. Work Calls in Bed
There’s a hilarious scene where J.C. takes a work call from bed in a nightgown that resembles a dress shirt, complete with a Rolodex nearby. It’s a snapshot of what was once considered cutting-edge technology: the speakerphone.
7. Airport Lounge
J.C. receives her baby in an airport TWA lounge, which left me questioning how she bypassed security and what kind of will dictated this peculiar arrangement. Definitely need to revisit my own will!
8. Absurd Restaurant Scene
The scene where J.C. hands her baby off at a fancy restaurant coat check is absurd. It’s all played for humor, but I can’t imagine this scenario being accepted in a modern film.
9. Shopping Spree
During a shopping spree at FAO Schwarz, J.C. buys an iconic Cricket doll for her daughter—the one that famously asked, “Are we having fun or what?”
10. Adoption Agency Scene
The adoption agency scene is equally amusing; J.C. hands over the baby like an unwanted item at a yard sale, which is both funny and slightly unsettling.
11. Professional Setbacks
J.C. faces professional setbacks because she’s a frazzled mom, leading her to exclaim, “I’m not going to turn into Erma Bombeck!” Her boss coldly responds, “I told you can’t have it all.” This moment felt absurd yet made me ponder how many women still face similar discrimination today, albeit in less blatant ways.
12. Playground Friends
The mom friends J.C. meets at the playground have some wild outfits and hairstyles. One woman sports an oversized flannel ensemble that looks straight out of a retro American Apparel catalog.
13. Sam Shepard
J.C.’s love interest in Vermont is played by the talented Sam Shepard. I admit I Googled “young Sam Shepard” after the film, intrigued by how he transitioned into his older, grizzled roles.
14. Fun Fact
Fun fact for fans: Baby Boom was adapted into a one-season television series starring Kate Jackson in 1988. Yes, I missed that too, but I hope my pop culture blind spot is forgiven now that I’ve finally watched the film.
In summary, Baby Boom is a delightful exploration of juggling work and motherhood that still sparks relevant conversations today. It’s a nostalgic reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more work there is to do regarding gender equality in the workplace.