In case you missed it … ‘The Tao of Steve’

Are you a “Steve” or are you a “Stu” … This is the question that The Tao of Steve (2000) is developed around. At first glance, this film is a guy’s movie, something you may expect to be recommended on The Man Show, but in truth it only begins that way. Instead, this movie is an “intellectual slacker” flick designed for both genders. Besides, would a female director be likely to make a chauvinistic man-movie that isn’t satirical? I doubt it. Director Jenniphr Goodman brought us this singular, socially classic dramedy about Dex, played by Donal Logue (Zodiac, Ghost Rider), an intelligent womanizing slacker who follows the “Tao of Steve” as a sort of way of being. Dex is an overweight man, but still manages to impress the women with his charm and his smarts. Dex is well-versed in philosophy and the concepts of great thinkers. It seems as though Dex has everything he wants and everything under control. The truth is, Dex isn’t sure what he wants until he meets Syd, played by Greer Goodman. Dex finds his world suddenly turned upside down when his superficial mantra of dating is thrown into disarray.

So, what is the “Tao of Steve” … In short, it is a natural coolness that you either have, or not. Steve refers to the likes of celebrities such as Steve McQueen, Steve Austin, etc. But, these are only examples. Dex explains to a buddy that being a Steve is more a state of mind that just a name, as he instructs him in the ways of romantically conquering a member of the opposite sex. The “Tao of Steve” is best explained in the words of Dex: “Steve is the prototypical cool American male. Y’know, I’m talking about Steve McGarrett, alright? Steve Austin, Steve McQueen. Y’know, he’s the guy on his horse, the guy alone. He has his own code of honor, his own code of ethics, his own rules of living, man. He never, ever tries to impress the women but he always gets the girl.”

Ultimately, the “Tao of Steve” fails under the forces of reality and Dex finds himself eating his words as he attempts to truly win Syd’s heart. The Tao of Steve is a funny, but realistic story about realistic characters doing realistic stuff. As a self-proclaimed part-time student of philosophy, I found myself especially drawn to this film, as Dex frequently quotes philosophers and calls on philosophical anecdotes to make his points. One of my favorites is illustrated below:

Syd enters Dex’s room and finds him finishing a hit on his bong. Syd comments on the slacker ways of Dex, who replies: “Doing stuff is overrated. Like Hitler. He did a lot. But don’t we all wish he woulda just stayed home and gotten stoned?”

In short, I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched this movie on both my hands. There are so many great quotes in this movie. But, what I like the most is that The Tao of Steve is humorous but is never dumbed down. Its a smart dramedy with a good, contemporary message on the topic of dating relationships. Not to mention, Dex has some great insights into many other aspects of life as well.