What Women Want (2000) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in Chicago, with the city's iconic skyline and urban environment serving as the main backdrop for Nick's professional and personal journey. Las Vegas also appears in the story, specifically highlighting Nick's family history as his mother was a showgirl there.

• chicago
• setting
• las vegas
• locations
• backdrop

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal dynamics and gender roles relevant to its 2000 release period and beyond. The workplace setting showcases evolving advertising industry dynamics.

• time period
• contemporary
• modern
• era
• 2000s

Nick Marshall is the protagonist, a charming but arrogant advertising executive who begins the film with inflated sense of masculinity and chauvinistic tendencies. After an accident, he gains the ability to hear women's thoughts, which sparks his journey toward empathy and personal growth.

• nick marshall
• protagonist
• main character
• mel gibson

Darcy Maguire is a sharp, intelligent creative professional who joins Nick's team. She challenges his outdated views on advertising and represents modern femininity, balancing ambition with vulnerability. Her relationship with Nick evolves into a romance built on mutual growth and respect.

• darcy maguire
• helen hunt
• love interest
• co-worker

Alex Marshall is Nick's 15-year-old daughter, navigating the complexities of adolescence while dealing with tension in her relationship with her father. Their dynamic serves as a crucial element of the story, pushing both characters toward growth and better communication.

• alex marshall
• daughter
• teenage daughter
• father-daughter relationship

The redemption theme follows Nick's journey from a self-centered, chauvinistic man to someone capable of empathy and genuine connection. His ability to hear women's thoughts acts as a catalyst for change, forcing him to confront his biases and seek forgiveness for past behavior, particularly with his daughter and Darcy.

• redemption
• character growth
• change
• redemption arc
• personal transformation

The communication theme is central to the film, exploring how truly listening, beyond just hearing words, can break down barriers in relationships. Nick's newfound ability forces him to engage in honest dialogue and vulnerability, demonstrating that deeper understanding comes from genuine emotional connection rather than surface-level interaction.

• communication
• listening
• vulnerability
• connection
• dialogue

The fatherhood theme centers on Nick's relationship with his daughter Alex, highlighting the challenges of modern parenting. His protective instincts clash with her need for independence, but as Nick transforms, he learns to support her while granting her autonomy, emphasizing the importance of emotional openness in parent-child bonds.

• fatherhood
• father-daughter
• parenting
• family
• alex

The film blends fantasy (the telepathy premise), comedy (the humorous scenarios created by hearing thoughts), and romance (Nick and Darcy's relationship) into a cohesive feel-good experience. The fantastical setup allows for comedic situations while enabling the serious exploration of gender dynamics and relationship themes.

• fantasy
• comedy
• romance
• genre
• tone
• blend

The movie uses its comedic premise to critique sexist attitudes and challenge traditional gender roles in both the workplace and personal relationships. Nick's transformation serves as a commentary on the importance of understanding and empathy across gender lines, while maintaining an optimistic outlook on personal growth and changed perspectives.

• gender dynamics
• sexism
• feminism
• gender roles
• workplace