Misbehaviour

[FICM] If it weren't for the End Credits, it would give the impression that the movie doesn't take the story it's telling very seriously. The script walks through fairly conventional territory, although the introduction of the point of view of some of the models is smart. It doesn't find the right vehicle to be both interesting and compelling. It stays halfway. But it has some remarkable moments.

Based on a true story, Misbehaviour is a feminist propaganda film that’s more concerned with politics than storytelling. The film looks at the 1970 Miss World beauty competition which was disrupted by a Women’s Liberation protest and marked the first time that a Black woman won the competition. Director Philippa Lowthorpe claims to have wanted to be fair to both sides, but in actuality the protestors are glorified and little attention is given to the struggles of the non-white contestants that were breaking boundaries and challenging the traditional standards of beauty. Additionally, the objectification aspects of the competition are heavily focuses on; undoubtedly in an attempt to make the audience uncomfortable and side with the protestors. But the real problem is the script, which does a poor job at developing the characters. While not a bad film, Misbehaviour isn’t very well made and lacks a clear focus.