The MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL may be the ultimate movie cliché. She’s everywhere–a constant presence since movie making began. She insinuates herself in many boy meets girl/boy loses girl/boy finds girl scenarios. Perky, purposeful, wide-eyed and determined, she may be the quirky best friend to the guy who flounders through life, or the gypsy dressed muse who helps the guy awaken his inner spirit.
The critic, Nathan Rabin coined the phrase in 2005, describing her as “…that bubbly shallow cinematic creature who exists solely in the fevered imagination of sensitive writer-directors to teach brooding, soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.”
Think Katherine Hepburn in BRINGING UP BABY, and the other Hepburn in BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S. She’s there to help the dithering “hero” undither himself. Some favorites do not qualify.
While she seems dreamy and manic, Annie Hall is no MPDG muse. In 2012, Zoe Kazan, the grand-daughter of Elia, deconstructs the whole MPDG in her thoughtful, innovative, and appropriately named movie, RUBY SPARKS. It’s delightful to watch what Kazan does to a cliché. What about the guys? Are their Manic Pixie Dream Guys? Think Peter Pan. Let me know your selection of movie Pixie Girls or Pixie Guys who either irritate or delight.