I recently went to see the hyped Sex and the City film and couldn’t help myself noticing the fine pieces of technology the four girls were flaunting around. I will not go into any debate about product placement and American films, but just going to point out what young professional women (and men perhaps?) are shown as a style icons these days. So what was there to see?
Following the original TV series, we’ve always known that Carrie had a Mac. Actually, a top of the line Apple laptop. So she did this time as well. Just with a mention, she was using a PowerBook (older, non Intel version) and not a MacBook Pro (MBP), as one would expect. We know that she is a writer, but still, I think they could have at least slipped in a MBP, just for the argument’s sake (if not a MacBookAir)
As for a mobile phone, Carrie had a Motorola clamshell, strangely padded with plenty of pinky stones, that made her look quite immature, for a woman of 40 (yes, she turned 40 in the film). By the middle of the film, Carrie destroys her phone (it was about time) and gets a brand new Motorola (Razr2?), in a massive bag from Sprint, the american mobile carrier. Charlotte on the other hand, was only spotted using a gold clamshell phone (Sprint Katana?).
Samantha, now with a well established PR company, is also a Mac girl. Right from the start of the film we can see her going into her office where she had a glorious Mac Pro with a 24″ (probably) Apple display. And just to keep it in the family, she also has an iPhone, which she displays at various occasions, especially when she emails a picture to Miranda.
Miranda, the lawyer that made it to partner in her firm, receives the email from Samantha on her slightly older Blackberry (newer models must have been out when the film was shot) while working on what must have been something very serious on her Dell desktop. Same as John (Mr. Big) who used his Dell a couple of times as well.
Now we all know that Motorola is quite a big shot across the pond, but apparently Blackberry is striking them hard, as I could notice from the latest episodes of Ugly Betty. Everybody got used to seeing her using her dated Razr V3(i) while Wilhemina and the others were playing with their Treos (Palm).
In the last couple of episodes, Betty uses a red Balckberry Pearl, and it is bloody obvious. She keeps it in her hand even when she walks in the park with her boyfriend. You can also spot the occasional Mac back the at Mode magazine, but Betty uses a generic white PC.
There is an obvious competition between mobile phone manufacturers to identify themselves with a certain type of characters, and I would dare to say that it is the same with computers.
From what I could spot, if you are creative you own Apple products (Samantha - PR, Carrie - writer, Mode magazine) while if you are a determined serious person you use Dells (Miranda - lawyer, John - big shot financial guy) and a Blackberry, and if you are into fashion just use a Motorola phone.
What do you think?
on Jun 4th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I think you’ve thought about it too much.The film was a laugh a minute though, loved it! As a woman and one with a group of gal mates, totally related to it and found it hilarious as well as emotional : ( Think your analysis is cool though : ) you’re probably right and should perhaps get a job in brands on shows!
on Jun 4th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
At first impression, I tend to agree with Amy’s point that you have thought about it too much. Although the clothes each character wears and the accessories they are associated with, are as important as the technology they use. It determines the character furthermore and it helps fans relate to that character. As Tesco puts it “Every little helps”. By considering the finer details, one can truly understand each individual situation as it comes.
on Jun 5th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Was the point/motive of your article intending to show the relationship between success and materialistic dependency (hardly suprising given the film!) or because of the high spec of the technology surely their jobs require them to use that sort of stuff? Then again, what you say about the flaunting of the tech, is it all just for show? They all do love their jobs after all!
Very thought provoking indeed.