Hairspray: Taking Camp to the Next Level

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INTRODUCTION

What could make a comedy film better? Combine it with a musical that will have you singing along with it. I have decided to look at the 2007 movie “Hairspray”. This is a light hearted film that is loved by all ages. While most see this movie as a comedy/musical the film can also add campy to its genre list. This movie address several different social issues while making the audience laugh and sing along with it. The main social issue at hand in this movie is that one of racism. This movie also touches on gender roles with John Travolta playing a woman, as well as being judged by personal appearances. The main character, Tracy Turnblad is at the center of all these issues.

It’s 1962 and an overweight teenager, Tracy Turnblad and her best friend, Penny Pingleton are obsessed with the dance TV show Corny Collins. One of the regulars leaves the show leaving a space to be filled. Tracy’s dream has always been to be on the show. With the help of her new black friend Seaweed, she manages to get casted for the show, angering the star, Amber Von Tussle and her mother the station manager, Velma. Tracy is not the typical white teen that believes in segregation and wants to see the Corny Collins show integrated. She sets out to do just that all the while winning the love of heartthrob Link, while having a laugh or two and singing a couple tunes.

Tracy has a bubbly personally that makes you immediately like her. She refuses to let anyone or thing come between her and her dream. Tracy is not what many would consider a typical teen. She is a plump girl and doesn’t let what others think of her get her down.

SEGREGATION

With this movie set in the 1962 the majority of white people still looked down on blacks and thought t...

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