A wickedly subversive look at the role of comedy in exposing the pressures on women to be attractive and society’s ambivalence toward cosmetic surgery. The film follows Jackie Hoffman, an award-winning comic actress, known for her self- deprecating humor, and Emily Askin, an up-and-coming improv performer, as they contemplate the possible impact of surgery on their careers, relationships and self-regard. Interwoven with their profoundly moving stories are those of comedy icons, from funny-lady Fanny Brice (Ziegfield Follies), who went public in 1923 with her nose revision, to ground-breaking comediennes who have spoken honestly about their surgical makeovers. These dames have been unashamed to talk about their perceived flaws and shortcomings--and the steps taken to improve them. For them, plastic surgery isn't just vanity -- it's affirmative action to compensate for the inequitable distribution of youthfulness and beauty. While their sisters in drama remain steadfastly silent, funny women disregard the taboos and brave the ridicule to speak to women in their audiences who feel the same pressures, giving them permission to pursue improvements (or reasons to hold out), and absolving them of guilt and shame.
