The 40 year old virgin (2005)

The 40 year old virgin

Anna Smith’s article in the ‘Sight and Sound’ magazine – page 58 – Oct 2005 – Issue 10

·         “There’s a market for comedies about middle-aged geeks.”

·         “Andy has all the hallmarks of a movie nerd.”

-           “An extensive collection of Sci-fi models, a tendency to trip up over his own feet, and an audible head-scratching habit.”

·         “Andy is surrounded by a group of male stereotypes:

-          Jay: unfaithful black man with friends in prison

-          Dave: a lovelorn obsessive

-          Cal: filthy-minded pot-smoker."

The film is about a middle-aged man's journey to finally becoming intimate with a woman. I've included this screenshot from the film to show each individual look of the main characters. Andy (far left) is the the '40 year old virgin' and when you are first introduced to him you almost instantly understand why. He tends to dress smartly a lot of the time but in the lazy smart way e.g. polo top tucked into his trousers. However when he isn't dressed for work, he still manages to show that he doesn't seem remotely bothered about his appearance. Jay (2nd from right), Dave (second from left) and Cal (far right) are Andy's co workers in which he is currently surrounded by and of who all seem to be what you would call male stereotypes. In the screenshot, you can see Andy is wearing a disastrous shirt which is what many stereotypical nerdy people may be given in a description. The other three guys haven't got as much of a clothing problem but still all seem laid back with how they present themselves. The sign above them is an example of the urgency these men have to find love as they trying out speed dating. All four of them aren't the most attractive out there either and together they become this group of nerdy but funny, middle-aged men.

This is a clip from the film where Andy is discussing the matter of talking to women, and experiments as he uses his friend Cal's advice.

You can tell that Andy is finding it very awkward as he tries to speak to Trish and think of questions to ask her. This shows how un popular people can experience low self esteem issues when it comes to interacting with other people, especially the opposite sex.