Knocked Up: "I was drunk"

In 2007, Universal Pictures released the comedy Knocked Up, following the story of an unexpected pregnancy between two strangers. While the movie is remembered for its comedic value, important lessons can be learned from the main storyline that depicts themes such as casual sex, alcohol’s role in sexual decisions, and the consequences of risky sex. 

Television portrayals of sex often focus on it as a casual activity, failing to show the very real health and life consequences that can accompany it (Collins et al., 2003). When watching television today, when the consequences of risky sexual behavior are shown, it is often in unrealistic ways or ways that are very stereotypical. On the flip side, however, Collins et al. (2003) also present statistics that suggest that media can also be used to promote valuable lessons about sex, “by modeling responsible behavior or pointing out the consequences that can result from careless sexual activity.” When looking to Knocked Up, the consequences of risky sex are illuminated, also showing the role of that alcohol can play in increasing the chances of engaging in risky sex, consequently increasing the likelihood of unintended outcomes.

For example, the idea of casual sex is promoted as a central theme throughout the movie. Ben Stone (Seth Rogan) and his group of friends are known to frequent bars and pick up women. Their focus on sex is further brought to the forefront when their career goals are exposed – a porn website that shows viewers nude sex scenes of their favorite celebrities in movies. The most significant instance of casual sex is when Ben and Alison (Katherine Heigl) leave the bar together after a night of drinking. They have an awkward and hazy one night stand and part ways the next day assuming to never cross paths again. The one-night-stand has been popularized in many popular television shows and movies, making it a relatively common ending to a night out at a bar or party. Unlike many other popular depictions of one-night-stands, Knocked Up, as suggested by the title, takes a turn to focus on the consequences of alcohol-induced sex.

Shown in the clip above, alcohol played a central role in the outcomes of that evening, first in the initial flirtation between Ben and Alison, and later in the miscommunication they faced in bed. This scene highlights the way alcohol infused a risky sexual situation that ended in an unplanned pregnancy.  Therefore, Knocked Up, and this scene in particular reflect the reality that risky sex is increased when alcohol is involved. As discussed in lecture, the film depicts the ways that alcohol can alter one’s ability to make choices, particularly those related to sex. In a way, however, this movie can be used as a positive source of sexual education, particularly in regards to risk. Much like the Friends episode examined by Collins et al. (2003), the movie provides a narrative of the consequences of condom failure, or in the movie’s case, miscommunication caused by alcohol consumption. Therefore, in the long run, Knocked Up can serve as an educational opportunity for viewers on the risk of alcohol-induced sex, as well as proper communication in bed.  

References:

Collins, R. L., Elliott, M. N., Berry, S. H., Kanouse, D. E., & Hunter, S. B. (2003). Entertainment television as a healthy sex educator: The impact of condom-efficacy information in an episode of Friends. Pediatrics, 112(5), 1115-1121. doi: 10.1542/peds.112.5.1115


Lippman, J. (2015). Lecture November 12: Alcohol [Lecture notes].