Shallow Hal: A Film Starring Gwyneth Paltrow Deals with Weighty Issues

In the recently-released film, Shallow Hal, Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Rosemary, a 300-pound woman who is seen through the eyes of the title character (played by Jack Black) as a slender beauty. Motivational guru, Anthony Robbins, plays himself and reprograms Hal’s brain to see only the ‘inner beauty’ of the people he meets. When he meets Rosemary he sees her for what she is on the inside and not the obese woman others see. The Farrellys, Bobby and Peter, say the movie is not meant to ridicule the obese, but rather to "advocate acceptance." Peter Farrelly is quoted as saying, "It’s about Hal coming to terms with the reality that Rosemary’s not what he thinks she is, but being so in love with what’s in there, he can’t let her go."

Paltrow, who wears a fat suit in the film, got into character by wearing the suit to a bar to see the reactions of the patrons. She was not recognized and was basically ignored. People almost refused to look at her as if it were painful or as if they were doing her a favor by not looking. She is quoted in US Weekly as saying, "No one would even look in my direction. It was a profound, very sad, and startling experience."

Hollywood is rife with countless stars starving themselves to be the thinnest, and health advocates everywhere are crying foul. Hopefully, through movies such as this one, people will begin to realize that beauty can take any form. Many celebrities have embraced their bodies and are living life fully and full-sized. A prime example is model Carre Otis, who has gained thirty pounds and is starting a new career as a plus-size model. After years of starving herself and using drugs to remain slender, she is now healthier and much happier.