The South is a rich and complicated region, often romanticized and stereotyped by popular culture. Hollywood, in particular, tends to flatten its complexities into a caricature of quaint towns, sweet tea, and exaggerated accents. Steel Magnolias (1989) is no exception. While marketed as a Southern classic, the film often veers into a Hollywoodized version of Southern life that doesn’t fully capture its nuances. Yet, despite this, Steel Magnolias still manages to deliver certain moments that ring true to the Southern experience.
1. A Glossy Version of the South
On the surface, Steel Magnolias seems to check all the boxes of a Southern movie: a small Louisiana town, women with thick Southern accents, and the iconic front porch scenes where life slows down just enough for deep, heartfelt conversations. However, this version of the South feels more like a stage set, meticulously curated to fit a nostalgic ideal rather than a reflection of reality. The town of Chinquapin, as portrayed in the film, is sanitized and picturesque, more akin to a Disney-designed Southern town than the real, gritty South where life is messier and more unpredictable.
While the movie aims to evoke the charm of Southern life, the glossy veneer ultimately detracts from the authenticity. It’s a South where the hardships of life—poverty, racism, and the struggle for survival—are largely absent, replaced with heartwarming stories of friendship and family. In many ways, Steel Magnolias feels like a Hollywood product designed to appeal to a wide audience, one that expects a romanticized, idealized version of Southern culture.
2. The Accent Problem
One of the most noticeable issues with Steel Magnolias is its handling of Southern accents. For a movie so firmly rooted in the South, the inconsistent and at times comical attempts at Southern speech can be distracting. Julia Roberts, a Georgia native, adopts an exaggerated drawl that feels more like a caricature of Scarlett O’Hara than an authentic Louisiana accent. Even Dolly Parton, whose Appalachian accent is genuine, sounds out of place in the Louisiana setting.
However, it’s not just the accents that feel off. The film’s characters, while entertaining, often seem more like exaggerated versions of Southern stereotypes than real people. From the wise-cracking beautician to the cantankerous neighbor, these characters sometimes fall into the trap of being too performative, leaning into clichés rather than presenting the South with its true depth and diversity.
Next-door neighbors and antagonists Ouiser (Shriley MacLaine) and Drum (Tom Skerritt) go at it in Herbert Ross’s 1989 “Steel Magnolias.”
3. Where It Gets Southern Moments Right
Despite its shortcomings, Steel Magnolias does manage to capture certain moments that resonate with the real South, particularly in its portrayal of community and female friendship. These moments are where the film shines and provides glimpses into what makes Southern life so distinctive.
The Strength of Female Friendships: One of the film’s most authentic Southern elements is its depiction of close-knit, multigenerational female friendships. In Southern culture, relationships—especially those between women—are often a cornerstone of daily life. The way the women of Steel Magnolias rally around each other, whether in times of joy or tragedy, reflects the deep sense of community that is a hallmark of the South. From the laughter shared in Truvy’s beauty salon to the tearful moments at Shelby’s bedside, the film highlights the unspoken bond that holds these women together through life’s challenges.
The Importance of Tradition: Another moment where Steel Magnolias gets it right is in its portrayal of Southern traditions. The film touches on familiar rituals such as church gatherings, weddings, and the deeply ingrained sense of family obligation. These traditions are not just background details; they are central to the characters’ lives and to Southern identity as a whole. When M’Lynn donates a kidney to her daughter Shelby, it’s more than just a plot point—it’s a reflection of the deep-rooted Southern value of family sacrifice and putting others first.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The use of humor to deal with tragedy is another element that rings true to Southern culture. Southern storytelling often blends lightheartedness with darker themes, using humor as a way to navigate life’s toughest moments. In Steel Magnolias, the characters constantly balance between laughter and tears, showcasing the Southern ability to find humor even in the face of immense pain. This emotional balancing act is a key component of Southern resilience and is one of the film’s strongest moments of authenticity.
Truvy (Dolly Parton) and Claire (Olympia Dukakis) share some gossip in “Steel Magnolias,” which returns to theaters on May 6 and May 8.
4. Melodrama, But with Heart
While Steel Magnolias can at times feel melodramatic, that melodrama isn’t entirely foreign to Southern culture. The South has a long tradition of dramatic storytelling, where emotions run high and every moment feels heightened. In that sense, the film’s penchant for tear-jerking scenes and over-the-top declarations of love and friendship can be seen as a reflection of this storytelling tradition. The film may be exaggerated, but it does capture the deep emotions that often accompany Southern life, especially when it comes to family and close friends.
5. Conclusion: More Hollywood Than Southern, But Still Memorable
In the end, Steel Magnolias is more Hollywood than Southern, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its Southern moments. The film’s depiction of female friendships, its focus on tradition, and its use of humor in the face of adversity all offer glimpses of what life in the South can be like. While it may not fully capture the complexities and contradictions of Southern culture, it provides enough heartfelt, authentic moments to resonate with both Southern and non-Southern audiences alike. Even if it falls short in its attempt to be a truly Southern film, Steel Magnolias remains a beloved story with emotional moments that transcend its Hollywood trappings.
Screenwriter/playwright Robert Harling had a cameo as the minister who married Shelby (Julia Roberts) and Jackson (Dylan McDermott) in 1989’s “Steel Magnolias.”
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