Rewatching old movies can be a nostalgic experience, bringing us back to what we consider simpler, better times. However, it’s also essential to view these films critically and acknowledge any problematic themes or issues that may have been overlooked.
One such movie that has not aged well is the 1994 comedy “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” starring Jim Carrey as a zany pet investigator in Miami. While the film was a massive hit and launched Carrey’s career, it has come under scrutiny for its offensive portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and mental illness.
Transgender Scenes
One particularly troubling scene in the movie involves the discovery that a character named Ray Finkle, who has been portrayed as a man throughout the film, is actually transgender and now goes by the name Lois Einhorn.
When Ace Ventura discovers this, he reacts with disgust and queer panic, leading to a series of distasteful and offensive scenes. These include vomiting, showering multiple times, and crying to the song “The Crying Game” while naked in the shower.
The film also includes jokes about mental illness and animal cruelty, with Ace Ventura posing as a person with a mental health condition in order to infiltrate a mental hospital in search of Finkle.
Even Jim Carrey has acknowledged that the movie would not be made today, and many, including transgender celebrities, have called out its inappropriate content.
Joe Rogan was shocked by the transphobia when he rewatched it with his daughters. “I didn’t realize how transphobic that f*cking movie is,” he said.
“It’s off the charts!” He added that he hadn’t seen the movie in years, but upon revisiting it with his 8 and 10-year-old daughters, he was struck by its insensitivity. “It is so insanely transphobic,” he noted.
However, it’s important to remember that while “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” may be a cult classic, it also serves as a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made in terms of representation and sensitivity in media.
Millennials Advice
Instead of writing offensive material, millenials are suggesting to seek out and collaborate with members of marginalized communities in order to create more authentic and respectful content.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.