White Chicks - the undoubtedly racy yet absolutely hilarious comedy.

Image - Wayans, 2004

On the surface of it all, White Chicks is a 2004 comedy about two black men impersonating white women as part of an investigation. However, the film plays on the satirical presentation of race and gender.

The film overall is great. The comedic timing is perfectly executed; however, the racy themes cannot be brushed over. Recently, claims have been made that the film is almost as offensive as blackface. I seriously don’t understand how people have come to that assumption; the irony is quite honestly real.

Marcus Copeland (Marlon Wayans) and Kevin Copeland (Shawn Wayans), two FBI agents who are brothers, unintentionally thwart a cocaine bust. As a kind of retribution, they are made to escort two socialites (Anne Dudek and Rochelle Aytes) to the Hamptons, where they would be used as pawns in a kidnapping scheme. 

The girls don't want to go when they learn of the FBI's plan, though. Lacking other options, Marcus and Kevin decide to pose as the sisters by disguising themselves as a couple of blonde, white women whilst still being African-American guys.

The movie is comic gold on its own. This does not let you down with a 12a certification. Triple TKA - totally time to kick ass is one of the best punchlines from this classic movie alone.

However, while this movie is obviously quirky, funny, and exhilarating, it also subtly and deftly plays with the idea of white privilege. 

The first is a prejudice towards white people based on their social standing and possessions. The social scene in the Hamptons is represented in the movie as being populated by conceited and entitled white girls. 

The portrayal of the two socialites Brittanny and Tiffany, in particular, plays on conventional 2004 pop culture "spoilt" stereotypes and is obviously modelled after the iconic Paris Hilton, right down to her mannerisms, vocal style, and outfits.

Overtly, this comedy plays on reverse racism, showcasing how white people cannot experience the same form of racism as black people, and for me, this is extremely thought-provoking. People have claimed this is reverse blackface.

So, what is blackface?

The dictionary definition of blackface is ‘used to refer to the practice of wearing make-up to imitate the appearance of a black person. The use of such make-up was associated with minstrel shows in the United States from the 1830s until the mid-20th century; it is now regarded as highly offensive.’

Using this, White Chicks is highly controversial; however, the laughs and the direction from Keenen Ivory Wayans seriously debunk any theories of racism. 

The two principal cast members, Marlon and Shawn Wayans, completely make the film. Their performance is top tier. Their transformation to the sisters is incredible. The over-the-top gestures and the make-up genuinely never fail to make me laugh. The laughs I let out during the film are top-notch. They completely pull the audience in and take them on this absurd journey, and I personally believe it's brilliant.

All of these issues are not to say the film isn't great. In fact, the film's most captivating feature may be its incomprehensibly funny one-liners. It’s provided iconic quotes, such as  "Ex-squeeze me?" and "I'm going to have a B.F. '' also known as a bitch fit; these have become timeless classics, and I’m fairly sure everyone is going to say them at least once in their life. They are incomparably memorable.

The cinematography and more technical elements of the film are fairly basic. The film heavily relies on its laughs and actions rather than using more meaningful shot choices or editing choices; however, this is very much a genre convention for comedy films regardless.

However, the chase sequence in which a thief 1 steals a bag containing Kevin's weapons and badge is cinematically highly entertaining. The continuous shot-reverse-shots of the robber fleeing and Kevin (dressed as one of the sisters) sprinting, followed by mid shots of the two officers in their car, are so jam-packed with excitement and fun that they perfectly satisfy the audience's need for entertainment.

I would have liked to see some more meaningful shots - the film had potential to go on to be one of the best comedy films of the 21st century; however, its lacklustre in technical codes. The green screen used within the driving scenes when the brothers pick up the socialites is to be laughed at. Arguably, this could have been their intent; however, I highly doubt that and assume this to just be a lack of care for the technical side. 

Overall, White Chicks as a comedy is elite. However, the use of more impactful cinematography and editing would have brought this film to the forefront.