Junior (1994 film)

Juniorposter

Junior is a 1994 American comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, and Emma Thompson. The film explores unconventional themes of pregnancy and gender roles through a comedic lens. Schwarzenegger plays Dr. Alex Hesse, a research scientist who undergoes an experimental procedure to carry a pregnancy in his own body. DeVito plays Dr. Larry Arbogast, Hesse's colleague and the mastermind behind the experiment, while Thompson portrays Dr. Diana Reddin, a fellow scientist and Hesse's love interest.

Plot

The story begins with Dr. Hesse and Dr. Arbogast developing a new drug, Expectane, designed to reduce the chances of miscarriage. However, when their funding is cut, they are unable to proceed with a planned clinical trial. In a daring move, Hesse decides to implant an embryo in his own body using their experimental drug. The film follows Hesse's journey through pregnancy, touching on themes of empathy, masculinity, and the challenges faced by pregnant individuals. Along the way, Hesse and Arbogast must navigate the skepticism of their peers, the scrutiny of the media, and the complexities of personal relationships.

Cast

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Alex Hesse
• Danny DeVito as Dr. Larry Arbogast
• Emma Thompson as Dr. Diana Reddin
• Frank Langella as Dr. Noah Banes
• Pamela Reed as Angela
• Aida Turturro as Louise
• James Eckhouse as Ned Sneller

Production

Directed by Ivan Reitman, Junior was produced by Northern Lights Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film's unique premise required Schwarzenegger to wear a prosthetic pregnancy belly, showcasing the actor in a light far removed from his typical action-hero roles. The production team worked closely with medical consultants to depict the pregnancy process as realistically as possible, despite the fantastical premise.

Reception

Upon its release, Junior received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its humor and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Schwarzenegger's against-type role. Others criticized it for its implausible premise and occasional lapses into sentimentality. Despite the mixed critical reception, Junior has gained a cult following over the years for its unique take on gender roles and pregnancy.

Legacy

Junior is often cited in discussions about gender and science fiction, exploring how traditional roles can be challenged through speculative narratives. The film also contributed to the ongoing conversation about male pregnancy in popular culture, a topic that remains of interest in both scientific and speculative contexts.