Pen Pals: a short Review of 84 Charing Cross Road

I was very entertained by the film 84 Charing Cross Road. The story and characters were incredibly charming. The fact that it is based on true events makes it even more captivating. I especially loved the dynamic between the leading characters, Helene and Frank. My one and only complaint, however, is the clarity of their relationship. Rather, I wish the film had done a more committed job of representing a friendship instead of a teased romance. From our in-class discussion, I understand that the real Helene Hanff described their relationship to be solely platonic while still meaningful. It’s typical, yes, for films and fictitious stories to show romances, even if they’re only implied, in order to market themselves better. However, I feel the media should strive to represent truer platonic relationships between men and women. Our heteronormative society has conditioned us to believe men and women can never truly be friends. If the media more frequently portrays these said platonic relationships, then steps toward a less heteronormative, and objectively harmful, societal structure can be better made.