# What Women Want

> 2000 film directed by Nancy Meyers

**Wikidata**: [Q156394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q156394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Women_Want)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/what-women-want

## Summary
What Women Want is a 2000 American romantic comedy film directed by Nancy Meyers, starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. The film explores themes of gender dynamics and relationships through a narrative where a man gains the ability to hear women's thoughts. It was a commercial success, grossing over $374 million worldwide.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 1, 2000 (United States), February 15, 2001 (other countries)
- **Director**: Nancy Meyers
- **Starring**: Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt
- **Genre**: Romantic comedy, fantasy film, screwball comedy film, melodrama
- **Production Companies**: Icon Productions, Paramount Pictures
- **Box Office**: $374,111,707 worldwide
- **Runtime**: 127 minutes
- **Awards and Ratings**: 5.7/10 on IMDb, 54% on Rotten Tomatoes, 47/100 on Metacritic
- **Language**: English
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **IMDb ID**: tt0207201
- **Related Entities**: Helen Hunt (actress), Paramount Pictures (production company), Icon Productions (production company), Nancy Meyers (director)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 46 language editions
- **Connected Works**: *The Simpsons* episode "What Animated Women Want" (S24 E17)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of What Women Want?**  
The film follows a man who, after an accident, gains the ability to hear women's thoughts, leading to both comedic and introspective moments as he navigates relationships and self-discovery.

**Who stars in the film?**  
Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt play the lead roles, with supporting performances from Marisa Tomei and Lauren Holly.

**How was the film received critically and commercially?**  
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a major box office success, grossing over $374 million worldwide against a $70 million budget.

**What themes does the film explore?**  
It examines gender dynamics, communication in relationships, and personal growth, using comedy to address deeper social and emotional issues.

**What is the film's connection to The Simpsons?**  
The episode "What Animated Women Want" (S24 E17) parodies the film's premise, reflecting its cultural impact.

## Why It Matters
What Women Want matters as a representative of early 2000s romantic comedies that blended fantasy elements with relationship-driven narratives. Its commercial success underscores its appeal to broad audiences, while its mixed critical reception highlights debates about gender representation in media. The film's exploration of communication and empathy between genders, though critiqued for its execution, contributed to ongoing conversations about relationships in popular culture. Its influence is further evident in parodies like *The Simpsons* episode, cementing its place in pop culture history.

## Notable For
- **Box Office Success**: One of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of 2000.
- **Genre Blend**: Combines romantic comedy with fantasy elements (mind-reading).
- **Star Power**: Features Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt at the height of their careers.
- **Cultural Parody**: Inspired a *Simpsons* episode, indicating its recognizable premise.
- **Mixed Reception**: Reflects broader discussions about gender dynamics in media.
- **Director's Career**: Part of Nancy Meyers' filmography, known for romantic comedies.

## Body

### Production and Release
What Women Want was released on January 1, 2000, in the United States and later in other countries on February 15, 2001. Produced by Icon Productions and Paramount Pictures, the film was directed by Nancy Meyers, known for her work in the romantic comedy genre. With a budget of $70 million, it grossed over $374 million worldwide, demonstrating significant commercial appeal.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Mel Gibson as Nick Marshall, an advertising executive who gains the ability to hear women's thoughts, and Helen Hunt as Darcy McGuire, a colleague with whom he develops a relationship. Supporting cast includes Marisa Tomei, Lauren Holly, and Alan Alda. Meyers' direction and the screenplay by Brian Grazer and Howard Rosenman adapted the premise into a blend of comedy and light drama.

### Themes and Reception
Exploring themes of gender communication and self-discovery, the film received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 54% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 47/100 score on Metacritic, indicating divided opinions. Despite this, its box office success underscored its resonance with audiences seeking lighthearted, relationship-focused entertainment.

### Cultural Impact
The film's premise was parodied in *The Simpsons* episode "What Animated Women Want" (Season 24, Episode 17), highlighting its cultural permeability. This parody, alongside its enduring presence in discussions about romantic comedies, reflects its lasting impact on early 2000s pop culture.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 127 minutes
- **Language**: English
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **IMDb ID**: tt0207201
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424

### Related Entities
- **Helen Hunt**: The film contributed to her reputation as a versatile actress, showcasing her ability to carry both comedic and dramatic roles.
- **Paramount Pictures**: As a major production company, the film's success reinforced Paramount's role in producing commercially viable comedies.
- **Nancy Meyers**: The film is part of Meyers' directorial filmography, which includes other notable romantic comedies like *Something's Gotta Give*.

### Legacy
While not universally acclaimed, What Women Want remains a notable entry in the romantic comedy genre of the early 2000s. Its exploration of gender dynamics, though sometimes criticized for superficiality, contributed to ongoing conversations about relationships and communication. The film's commercial success and cultural references, such as the *Simpsons* parody, ensure its recognition as a product of its time, reflecting both the strengths and limitations of the era's mainstream comedy.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. What Women Want. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207201/releaseinfo)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://libguides.usc.edu/PhilosophyLibraryHistoryAndCollections/hoose-film)
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/what-women-want/)
9. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
10. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/101652)
11. Cineplex
12. Online-Filmdatenbank
13. Bechdel Test Movie List
14. mymovies.it
15. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/8EE4-C136-60CA-FA1E-CAAF-F)
16. Danish Film Database
17. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92517)
18. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/91704)
19. Kanopy
20. TheTVDB
21. Trakt.tv
22. FilmVandaag.nl