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What Women Want

  • 2000
  • PG-13
  • 2h 7m
IMDb RATING
6.5/10
231K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,101
163
Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt in What Women Want (2000)
Watch Trailer[OV]
Play trailer2:16
1 Video
99+ Photos
High-Concept ComedyRomantic ComedyComedyFantasyRomance

A cocky, chauvinistic advertising executive magically acquires the ability to hear what women are thinking.A cocky, chauvinistic advertising executive magically acquires the ability to hear what women are thinking.A cocky, chauvinistic advertising executive magically acquires the ability to hear what women are thinking.

  • Director
    • Nancy Meyers
  • Writers
    • Josh Goldsmith
    • Cathy Yuspa
    • Diane Drake
  • Stars
    • Mel Gibson
    • Helen Hunt
    • Marisa Tomei
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.5/10
    231K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,101
    163
    • Director
      • Nancy Meyers
    • Writers
      • Josh Goldsmith
      • Cathy Yuspa
      • Diane Drake
    • Stars
      • Mel Gibson
      • Helen Hunt
      • Marisa Tomei
    • 451User reviews
    • 70Critic reviews
    • 47Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 9 nominations total

    Videos1

    Trailer[OV]
    Trailer 2:16
    Trailer[OV]

    Photos215

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 211
    View Poster

    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Mel Gibson
    Mel Gibson
    • Nick Marshall
    Helen Hunt
    Helen Hunt
    • Darcy Maguire
    Marisa Tomei
    Marisa Tomei
    • Lola
    Alan Alda
    Alan Alda
    • Dan Wanamaker
    Ashley Johnson
    Ashley Johnson
    • Alex Marshall
    Mark Feuerstein
    Mark Feuerstein
    • Morgan Farwell
    Lauren Holly
    Lauren Holly
    • Gigi
    Delta Burke
    Delta Burke
    • Eve
    Valerie Perrine
    Valerie Perrine
    • Margo
    Judy Greer
    Judy Greer
    • Erin the File Girl
    Sarah Paulson
    Sarah Paulson
    • Annie
    Ana Gasteyer
    Ana Gasteyer
    • Sue Cranston
    Lisa Edelstein
    Lisa Edelstein
    • Dina
    Loretta Devine
    Loretta Devine
    • Flo the Doorwoman
    Diana Maria Riva
    Diana Maria Riva
    • Stella
    Eric Balfour
    Eric Balfour
    • Cameron
    Andrea Baker
    Andrea Baker
    • Office Intern
    • (as Andrea Taylor)
    Jon Frazier
    • Truck Driver
    • (credit only)
    • Director
      • Nancy Meyers
    • Writers
      • Josh Goldsmith
      • Cathy Yuspa
      • Diane Drake
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews451

    6.5231K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    jjs402

    They want Mel Gibson to be a nice guy -- that's what they want.

    I think most of the other comments I've seen are over-analyzing this light movie. It's a cute fantasy about a male chauvinist transformed into a nice guy by developing (inadvertently) some sensitivity. Women want nice looking guys to be nice GUYS, too. I'm not sure why anyone would need much more in the movie.

    The humor is good and Gibson does some amusingly self-effacing stuff and some slick dancing. I thought Helen Hunt was quite believable as the climbing ad exec. I agree with some of the other comments about Tomei deserving a better part but she does what she can with her role.

    I thought the relationship development between Gibson and his daughter was interesting, too (albeit accelerated).

    Other comments mention the length of the movie, but I was fine with it. It seemed fine to me.

    If you're like me and you appreciate the "personal transition" type of movie (my favorite: Groundhog Day), then this is a good fit. This is a movie to help you unwind.

    If you are looking for psychological insight into the unfulfilled desires of women and the blatantly unsatisfactory male response, this will disappoint. But watch it anyway -- you probably need to unwind.
    nikhavey

    Is mind Reading the Only Way for Men to Understand?

    The film What Women Want is about a man, Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson), who has been characterized as a 'man's man,' a male who is the type of guy that other men look up to. Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt) also stars and sends Marshall into a male power trip when she is offered a job position that he was trying so hard to get. Marshall is known for his ability to seduce women and fornicate with them. Most of the women in his life think that he is a self centered jerk, because of the way he objectifies them. Even his fifteen year old daughter feels as if they are not related because of his poor communication skills with women. But an unexpected twist took place one day while blow drying mousse in his hair. While he was going about his business, Marshall tripped, and fell into his bathtub full of water, being electrocuted severely. Oddly enough, what would kill a normal human being did not harm Nick in any way, rather than it mysteriously gave him the power to hear what women are thinking. So, equipped with his new skill, he goes about his day, not knowing he has this amazing ability. Throughout his random encounters with women, particularly at work, he comes to realize that all the women are not very fond of him.

    In all movies, there is always a message of some sort that the director is trying to express. In this particular film, I believe there is more than one message. One of the dilemmas the movie expressed was women do not know what they want. Throughout the movie, women were constantly complaining about men, or their hair, or their outfit. The truth is that women do not know what they do want; only what they don't want. Another message it displayed is a world renown problem: the concept that men do not have a clue about women. They communicate differently as men, and want different things as well. Is reading women's minds the only way for men to understand? I sure hope not.

    The technique of this movie is nothing to throw a fit over. The average cinematography isn't dazzling, but it is good enough to keep the viewer interested. The sound track was well thought out, with many famous songs helping out in several scenes and strongly assisting in setting the mood. A few things stand out in the movie that question reality. For example, Gibson falls into a full bathtub, gets electrocuted by thousands of volts, and only wakes up with a headache. At a different point in the movie he gets shocked again, but not by a household utensil. The second time it's by lightning, and again, just a headache. No singed eyebrows or fried shoelaces were to be found.

    What Women Want is an entertaining movie at the least. Mel Gibson, as always, does an excellent job portraying his character, as well as Helen Hunt. The cast did a well-rounded job, and no one was out of place. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and enjoyed the humor. The film was filled with talented acting, laughs, and lighthearted suspense. It would be a good recommendation for anyone who is bored and desires a humorous, fun movie. The idea of a man being able to read women's minds is clever and amusing. Should this ever happen, would it be classified as a gift, or a nightmare?
    7Atreyu_II

    We know it now

    "What Women Want" has a unusual plot which also makes us (men) think: what do women really want? The final conclusion is that they want happiness, just like men.

    Despite being a predictable movie and nothing extraordinary, at least it teaches to us (men) some valuable lessons about women. It's a good way to understand and know them better.

    The first hour of this movie is great fun, very entertaining and pure comedy. During the first hour we have some moments to give us good laughs. Mel Gibson has never been this funny before. He plays a hilarious character: Nick Marshall, a typical "macho men" or a "men's man". The kind of man that other men admire and want to be like him. The kind of man who doesn't understand a thing about women (although seen as a "God's gift" to women). Nick is proud, rich, chauvinistic, single and loves to hear Frank Sinatra.

    After an accident with the hairdryer, he suddenly has the power of hearing what women think and what they think of him isn't what he expected. He sees this as a curse, but after being convinced by a psychologist that he could take advantage of this gift, he uses it to manipulate Darcy McGuire.

    However, in the second half, the movie fails, becoming predictable and somehow lame, losing all its comical side. Some ridiculous and silly things happen in the second half. Also, I rather the "old" Nick than the "good" Nick, because the "old" Nick was much funnier. He becomes the "good guy" in the second half, losing his sense of humor.

    This movie has some nice songs, such as "I Won't Dance" (performed by Frank Sinatra), "I've Got You Under My Skin" (performed by Frank Sinatra in a duet with Bono) and "Bitch" (performed by Meredith Brooks).

    Mel Gibson is great and charming as Nick Marshall, while Helen Hunt is okay and pretty in the role of Darcy McGuire.
    7zornicajohanova

    Different storiline, important message and good vibes all in one

    You know, I've watched this movie probably 5-6 times. As a kid. I didn't get the the whole idea. I knew this simple fact, but I loved it. Now, many years later I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Man, it's been a long time since I have felt like this, while watching a film. So, let me say what I have to say. The storyline is something old, but expressed in a new way. There is romance, but a mature, not a cheesy one. The main idea (that there is no need for men to read our minds, but to listen what we say, like in 80%, not in 3%) is smoothly expressed throughout the movie. My favourite thing was that, at one point, the main character started helping (you guessed right - women). And that's what makes this film up-lifting.
    7SmileysWorld

    For all us guys.

    A man suddenly finds himself able to read women's minds and actually know what women want from men.Now,what guy doesn't want to be in that position? This was a terrific idea for a film and it was executed to perfection.Who better than Mel Gibson to represent us in this situation? He's the one man women probably wish understood them.At any rate,Gibson really turns on the Gibson charm here and there's not a better film in which to do that.Helen Hunt makes a great leading lady and is her usual charming self.Also,from the supporting cast,it's always great to see Alan Alda,one of the most underrated actors of our time.This film starts with a very unique,funny idea,and it does not disappoint in terms of how good it can be executed.Well casted,well directed and very funny film.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Nike representatives are real Nike ad representatives, not actresses.
    • Goofs
      When Nick thinks he's in line for a promotion to creative director, he and his staff make numerous references to moving up to the 44th floor. Immediately prior, there is an exterior shot of their building that is no more than 15 stories.
    • Quotes

      [looking distractedly in refrigerator]

      Nick Marshall: What am I doing? She's not in the refrigerator.

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Proof of Life/Vertical Limit/The Emperor's New Groove/State and Main/Pollock/Dungeons and Dragons (2000)
    • Soundtracks
      Something's Gotta Give
      Written by Johnny Mercer

      Performed by Sammy Davis Jr.

      Courtesy of MCA Records

      Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

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    FAQ21

    • How long is What Women Want?Powered by Alexa
    • Why doesn't Nick hear his assistants Eve and Margo's inner thoughts?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 15, 2000 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Lo que ellas quieren
    • Filming locations
      • Dresden Room Restaurant - 1760 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, USA(Back Door Piano Lounge)
    • Production companies
      • Paramount Pictures
      • Icon Entertainment International
      • Wind Dancer Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $70,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $182,811,707
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $33,614,543
      • Dec 17, 2000
    • Gross worldwide
      • $374,111,707
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 7 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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