Fast Times at Ridgemont High vs. the Last American Virgin

The portrayal of teenage sexuality is evident in both Fast Times at Ridgemont High and The Last American Virgin. While both do a good job of accurately depicting teenage sexuality, it is obvious both movies were created from different points of view. The Last American Virgin was written and directed by Boaz Davidson and, understandably, portrays teenage sexuality more from a male perspective. While Fast Times at Ridgemont High was written by Cameron Crowe and directed by Amy Heckerling, and portrays teenage sexuality rather accurately from both male and female perspectives, but particularly female.
The Last American Virgin seems to portray females more as sex symbols than human beings. Karen simply appears to be an object of Gary’s desire and someone for Rick to fool around with. It is evident throughout the movie that Rick has no real feelings for her, while Gary is willing to do just about anything to have her. This can be seen in Rick’s lack of help with Karen’s abortion and Gary letting her stay at his dead grandmother’s house, which he practically raids to get money for the abortion. Gary also goes to the extreme of letting air out of Karen’s tire so that he can conveniently ride up to her and offer a ride to school just to spend some time with her. While Rick’s “no strings attached” attitude and Gary’s obsession with Karen are accurate portrayals of teenage male attitudes towards females, the audience doesn’t get much insight to the real thoughts and feelings of a female like Karen.
Another example of The Last American Virgin’s depiction of females as mere sex symbols or objects of desire is Carmela. With her significant other, Paco, out of town she seems to suddenly become promiscuous. In Paco’s absence, she practically dresses and acts like a hooker, trying to sleep with all three teenage boys Gary, Rick, and David. Also, there is the scene where the three teenage boys buy a prostitute. Both scenes accurately depict a teenage male’s desire for sex and...