Easy A, an updated take on the Scarlet Letter

If you look at a list of required reading from different high schools, you will most likely find The Scarlet Letter on that list for the year when American literature is studied.  Even though it was written many years ago (well, okay…in my mind it was many years ago), the issue of labeling someone for their sin is still going on now.

The movie, Easy A, seems to have taken that theory and run with it. The story shows how Olive, a teen who’s managed to remain under the radar while navigating through high school, has her world turned upside down over rumors of sexual exploits.

Yep, that’s right, the rumors spread and her image is forever changed even though there is no merit to the rumors.  She then capitalizes on this newfound ‘power’ to ultimately find those seemingly harmless choices do end up hurting others and herself in the end.

The novel, The Scarlet Letter, is a thread woven throughout this movie. Olivia repeatedly compares what is happening in her life to what happened to Hester in The Scarlet Letter.  She also talks about how many of her classmates in an effort to skip reading the book rent the Demi Moore version which was rather sensualized to modern audiences.  This movie permeates with wit and satire as it also examines our modern culture in which most teens circulate.  (Not in my house, though, as homeschooling allows us to exercise a bit more control of the environment.)

Now….some might be wondering why I’d even tackle this movie through the Christian Home series.  After all a satirical look at modern teen culture with the lovely theme of sex running through it seems almost the opposite of what we are training our children to become.

Well, I see it as a wonderful movie to spark discussion with your teen or young adult.   They did a fantastic job showing how a fictional work from many years ago carries themes that still appear today.  It’s also a great example of how something that seems to be of little consequence to some can really morph into something far more troubling than anticipated.  Olive saw the power in reinventing herself as an ‘easy’ girl, but ultimately saw that it tarnished her reputation to the point of almost losing all friends.

Things that may be objectionable to you ….

…talk about sex, including a scene where she helps a bullied gay teen stage having sex (making noises for others to hear, but nothing ever happens.) There is some kissing in the movie, but no steamy scenes…far different from that Demi Moore version of The Scarlet Letter!  As for the inclusion of a gay character, I’m finding it so pervasive that it’s rare to find a show without one now.

…occasional language (which I find in so many movies that it sometimes goes unnoticed)

…inappropriate behavior by adults, specifically a talked about the relationship between a staff member and older student. …dress that would be considered immodest by some, or at least really pushing the limits.

…treatment of Christians, not as a whole, but in regard to a small clique group that rallies against Olive. Of everything in this film, this bothered me the most. No specific denomination was targeted and in some ways the actions of the particular clique seemed more cult-like than anything else. Had they chosen to just make the clique ‘hippies’, I probably wouldn’t have thought nearly as much of it.  Reading and reviewing the book, Branded, really got my mind sparking about this aspect of the movie.  Stereotypes are only there because at some point in time people encountered people like that.  Maybe as Christians we need to be careful of the image we project, including the idea that life is all roses if you just accept Christ as your savior.

Now, I will admit that I really enjoyed this ‘comedic twist on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 19th-century novel The Scarlet Letter.’  The cast is fantastic and the pace is kept peppy.  But, I know that this type of movie is not for everyone. P was 13 going on 14 when he watched it with me and occasionally commented on things more out of curiosity as to why someone would make those choices.  He’s about as young as I’d allow for watching this film.  I’m now going to wonder if he’ll remember this film as he reads The Scarlet Letter in a few years.

This post has been submitted for inclusion in The Christian Home carnival ( Issue 29) hosted HERE this week.

As the featured columnist for the Movies and Music category, you can be looking forward to weekly posts on what we are watching or music we’ve enjoyed. Feel free to leave suggestions for me as well that are family friendly or uplifting for adults.  While I have movies and some music selections in mind, I’m always on the lookout for other great choices.