Things I didn’t notice the first time I saw ’10 Things I Hate About You’
10 Things I Hate About You is one of those movies I can watch over and over again, and believe me, I do. It’s constantly witty and sharp, and every time you see it, you notice another little something that makes it even funnier and more interesting. In fact, this movie is totally awesome for portraying interesting female relationships and complex characters with feminist ideas. It’s like a complete modern rewrite of the Shakespearean play where the shrew is not tamed at all. Also, don’t call her a shrew.
Here are some things I discovered upon yet another rewatching of this awesome movie.
This movie is set in Seattle but it’s literally never raining
Seriously:BLUE SKIES ALL AROUND. If only we could get some of that weather IRL.
Actually, you CAN be whelmed
*Ahem* From the Merriam-Webster website: “(v.) 1: to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down usually to cover something : cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect. 2: to overcome in thought or feeling.” So you can say “class totally whelmed me today” and be completely grammatically correct.
Patrick and Kat kind of look alike
Seriously. They both have these cute, deep-set eyes, curly, crazy hair, those little bud lips, and the same smile with sort of uneven teeth. They were truly made for each other.
Bogey Lowenstein is a pivotal character and the unsung hero of this film
Even before we’ve met any of the central characters, it’s this golf-playing, cigar-smoking creature in khaki pants who is the main instigator of the film’s entire early events. It’s Bogey who kicked Michael out of his club, who in turn sought revenge and orchestrated a raging party at Bogey’s that changed everything. That was the night Patrick and Kat totally bonded, and when Bianca started to like Cameron. Thank you, Bogey, for being the leader and the hero that you are.
There’s a single curl on the side of Kat’s head
Italways captures my undivided attention when Heath Ledger is singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” I literally can’t take my eyes off it, and have never been able to fully appreciate this beautiful moment.
Kat’s friend Mandella is a total Shakespeare-obsessed feminist
She stands up for herself when Kat goes off on a rant about how much she hates prom, and she makes fun of Kat for always wanting to make a “statement.” Prom is silly but it’s fun, and that’s something Mandella gets. You can still be a feminist in a pretty dress. Points if it’s inspired by the sixteenth century.
This tattooed guy with a mohawk is a diligent student and is totally keeping Patrick in check
Never judge a book by its cover, people. He’s seen running around in Shop class, eager to put his assignment together, and even though he’s usually smoking alongside Patrick on school grounds (who is allowing that to happen?), in the first scene we meet Patrick, this guy stops Patrick from lighting his cigarette with a Bunsen burner. Because sometimes Patrick needs a buddy to stop him going too crazy, and this guy is it.
The Shakespeare sonnet that Kat writes her version of is Number 141, and the part that Mr. Morgan raps goes like this:
“In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes,
For they in thee a thousand errors note;
But ‘tis my heart that loves what they despise,
Who in despite of view is pleased to dote;”
Or, in other words, “I hate your big dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind.” Basically, you’re awful, but I love you anyway. #10ThingsForever.
