Author/Screenwriter Amy Koppelman on Sarah Silverman and ‘I Smile Back’
“Redemption is always something that comes up, and I never understand that — why we need to find redemption or have redemption in books or movies.”
Search Results for: Sarah Silverman
How To Write A Wife: ‘Neighbors’ and ‘A Most Violent Year’
In real life, of course, women are wives and girlfriends and to deny the importance of the relationship many of us share with men, would be inaccurate and farcical. Yet, with a media landscape overwhelmingly dominated by films about men being men made by men for men, wife roles are often dim shadows of real women. But it’s hard to list well-written wife characters in male dominated movies; Jessica Chastain’s character, Anna Morales in ‘A Most Violent Year’ and Rose Byrne as Kelly Radner in ‘Neighbors’ are two successes I’ve come across recently.
‘Obvious Child’: Allowing Women To Be Funny
Women in comedy are often held to a double standard that’s rarely talked about, even in the tiresome and wrongheaded “Are Women Funny?” debates. A better question might be “Are women allowed to be funny?” Because while male comedians famously defend their right to make jokes about any topic they want to women who draw on their own outrage, experience and even their own bodies receive an extra layer of censorship.
Matt Damon’s On- and Off-Screen Feminism
My first introduction to Matt Damon was the same as many movie viewers – Good Will Hunting, a film that he starred in and co-wrote with Ben Affleck. It was my favorite film of 1997 and still holds a special place in my heart for its humor, poignancy, and moving portrayal of the lasting effects of abuse.
Older Women Week: Funniest After 50: Four Comediennes to Love Forever
Betty White, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, and Helen Mirren… At first, when writing this article, I thought about pointing out the ways in which Hollywood has shorted these prolific and amazing actresses, and while I’m sure that’s happened to them at some point in their careers, in reading about their lives, I realized that would almost be a disservice to all that they’ve accomplished. Rather, this piece is meant as a tribute to these enduring female comediennes, who have not only flourished but also paved the way for so many other actresses and actors.
School of Rock: Where Shrewish Women are "The Man"
Written by Robin Hitchcock Jack Black in School of Rock The first decade of this millennium was a pretty good time for American culture, all in all, George W. Bush notwithstanding. YouTube was invented, the pound symbol was saved from oblivion by hashtags, and Tina Fey got famous. But the early-to-mid aughts also brought something really unpleasant … Continue reading “School of Rock: Where Shrewish Women are "The Man"”
Women in Politics Week: Roundup of Feminist Celebs’ Political Videos
Screenshot of Amy Poehler in the Center for Reproductive Rights’ Draw the Line campaign This post by Megan Kearns originally appeared at Bitch Flicks on November 5, 2012. Many assume Hollywood is a liberal nirvana (or I guess a hellhole if you’re a Republican). But that’s not exactly true. Not only do films lack gender … Continue reading “Women in Politics Week: Roundup of Feminist Celebs’ Political Videos”
Roundup of Feminist Celebs’ Political Videos
Screenshot of Amy Poehler in Center for Reproductive Rights’ Draw the Line campaign Election Day is tomorrow, people! So I’m going to chat a bit about politics. Many assume Hollywood is a liberal nirvana (or I guess a hellhole if you’re a Republican). But that’s not exactly true. Not only do films lack gender equality, … Continue reading “Roundup of Feminist Celebs’ Political Videos”
Female Sexuality in Polley’s Disappointing ‘Take This Waltz’
This small, Canadian romantic indie film starring Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams and Luke Kirby and directed by Sarah Polley seems like it should a moving and insightful film about relationships (much like Michelle Williams earlier movie, Blue Valentine, was). However, despite its female centered love triangle, the film offers little of interest. If you were … Continue reading “Female Sexuality in Polley’s Disappointing ‘Take This Waltz’”
Daniel Tosh and Rape Culture: The Roundup
Daniel Tosh Serious Trigger Warning for discussions of rape, rape culture, and sexual assault. ———- Last Thursday, Megan wrote a piece about the recent Daniel Tosh clusterfuck–“Dear Daniel Tosh: You Know What’s Even Less Funny Than Rape Jokes? Rape Threats“–in which she discusses “his misogynistic douchebaggery as he verbally attacked a female audience member.” She … Continue reading “Daniel Tosh and Rape Culture: The Roundup”
Dear, Daniel Tosh: You Know What’s Even Less Funny than Rape Jokes? Rape Threats
By now I’m sure you’ve heard about Daniel Tosh and his misoynistic douchebaggery as he verbally attacked a female audience member. But just in case you haven’t or if you need a refresher, the woman called Tosh out amidst his performance at The Laugh Factory. Here’s what the woman told her friend who posted it … Continue reading “Dear, Daniel Tosh: You Know What’s Even Less Funny than Rape Jokes? Rape Threats”
Rape Jokes Are Taking Over TV and I’m Sick Of It
[Trigger warning for rape] Newsflash, rape jokes are not funny. Ever. So why are so many sitcoms succumbing to them? 2 Broke Girls, Work It, Rob, Whitney, Up All Night, Two and a Half Men, Workaholics, Modern Family, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Family Guy, Glee, and The Soup (NO, Joel McHale!) have all attempted … Continue reading “Rape Jokes Are Taking Over TV and I’m Sick Of It”