Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Favorite Fictional Character --- J.C. Wiatt


A while ago I did a movie review for one of my favorite comedies that came out of the 80s, Baby Boom.  Now in that review I mainly talked about the movie's plot and what I found so humorous about it.  Right now I want to talk about the main character, J.C. Wiatt, as played by the wonderful Diane Keaton.

J.C. is the typical working yuppie who lets her career become her own life.  She is a successful executive who is well on her way to being made a partner in the company she works for.  She has no personal life, outside of a relationship of convenience with another high powered executive who lives for his job as well.  So when she receives a phone call in the middle of the night, she's not prepared for what's about to come.

The phone call informs her that her distant cousin has died and has left her an inheritance.  Little does she know that when she arrives at the airport to pick up her inheritance, it's a baby girl named Elizabeth.  From here on out J.C.'s life changes forever.

At first she wants to give Elizabeth to a nice family who has the time and desire to raise a baby, but by the time that opportunity comes she has already bonded with Elizabeth, and when the family turns out to be a little odd (even by Kansas standards), she decides to keep her.  J.C. tries to tell herself that she can keep her life the same way, that it won't change anything.  Then she loses her guy and her job over the decision.

What I love about J.C. is that instead of moping and feeling sorry for herself all the time (she just does for a little bit) she moves out to a farm in Vermont and start her life over.  She is a fighter who won't give up the idea that anyone, man or woman, can have a family and a job at the same time.  She is a role model for every single parent out there (myself included) who is doing their best to provide for their child and live a life at the same time.

5 comments:

Jan von Harz said...

I love the Baby Boom and Keaton's amazing role. I agree that she was a great role model for the single parent. I am wondering if the gorgeous little girl who play Elizabeth is still acting?

Beth said...

I don't even like kids and I loved this movie! :) All that applesauce! Awesome! Plus James Spader was his usual sleazy best!

bookmagic said...

I loved this movie. I so wanted to move into a country home like hers. Without a baby of course

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

You probably remember me saying that this is one of my fave movies back when I commented on your review. I never even thought of doing her for FFC! I love this movie so much...it was on tv a couple of weeks ago and I watched it for the millionth time...even though I own it on VHS! I love J.C. You know the part where she freaks out in the yard over the well repair? She SO reminds me of my mom in that part. Diane Keaton is just great!

Hey, I also wanted to let you know that I started my writing blog. I haven't posted yet, but it's all ready to go. If you go to my blogger profile under the list of my blogs, it's called The Story Inside Me. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

I was wondering if you would do an FFC with this character. I know you really enjoy the movie, (I remember your review of the movie). And I have to say this was a great movie and she played a wonderful character in it. :) Great pick for FFC.