MovieChat Forums > 20th Century Women (2017) Discussion > Birkenstocks? in 1979?

Birkenstocks? in 1979?

posted 8 years ago by tyrexden
11 replies | jump to latest

Why is Annette Benning wearing birkenstocks at :43 into the trailer, unless for reasons of a major plot hole?

[–] whynotwriteme 8 years ago

I know you are probably convinced that people in the 1970s wore mammoth-hide sandals, but believe it or not, Birkenstocks have been available in the USA since 1967.

[–] tyrexden 8 years ago

i have wikipedia too. so i have the start date, but it also mentions it wasn't common until the 90's.

[–] loadrock 8 years ago

...so "wasn't common" represents a "major plothole" to you?

[–] whynotwriteme 8 years ago

I guess some people have different priorities about what they want from movies.

[–] loadrock 8 years ago

"Priorities" has to do with preferences, a "plot hole" is not subjective.

[–] pmwc1159 8 years ago

This film is set in Santa Barbara, CA in 1979. Santa Barbara's first storefront offering Birkenstock shoes was a leather goods shop called Crispin Leather that opened in 1965 but didn't sell the shoes until 1973, when a new owner took over with the specific intention of offering shoes that included the Birkenstock brand.

The store closed in 2008. (Source: SB Independent. Also a lifelong resident of SB).

[–] pyotr-3 8 years ago

In 1979 Birkenstocks were very popular amongst feminists. And Annette Benning's character was a feminist.

[–] Jack_Rabbit_Slims91 8 years ago

That is all you got from the trailer?

'Buffalo hunting? I've gone buffalo huntin'? What the *beep* does that mean? Buffalo huntin'!'

[–] QueenJackieB 8 years ago

It fits with her character that she would be different and even ahead of the times. See the movie before complaining.

[–] nklayman1 8 years ago

I first saw Birkenstocks in Akron, Ohio in 1977, my senior year of High School. A classmate had purchased while on vacation in California. She loved them & raved about how comfortable they were, but I thought they were really ugly. Then I went to college in New England & found they were pretty common. I tried them out & comfort won out over style - I've worn them ever since. No plot hole that I can see. Great movie too. :)

[–] MissGruntled 8 years ago

Sorry, but weren't Birkenstocks the footwear of choice at Woodstock in 1969? They were popularized by hippies originally, and later had a renaissance in the '90s.