The radical notion that women like good movies
This review by Editor and Co-Founder Amber Leab previously appeared at Bitch Flicks on November 21, 2011. Fire (1996) Fire is the first film in Deepa Mehta’s Elements Trilogy (Earth and Water follow). Made in 1996, it focuses on a middle-class family in present-day (funny how I still think of the 1990s as “present day,” … Continue reading “LGBTQI Week: ‘Fire’: Part One of Deepa Mehta’s ‘Elements Trilogy’”
Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present Seductive, fearless, and outrageous, Marina Abramovic has been redefining what art is for nearly forty years. Using her own body as a vehicle, pushing herself beyond her physical and mental limits–and at times risking her life in the process–she creates performances that challenge, shock, and move us. Through her … Continue reading “Women-Centric Films Opening Wednesday, June 13th and Friday, June 15th”
There aren’t many female-centric films that opened last Friday (only one…boo) or coming out this Friday. But I’m so excited to FINALLY see Snow White and the Huntsman. Now, that might surprise some of you, considering I complained that this version of the Snow White story, no matter how much of a badass action-fantasy retelling, … Continue reading “Women-Centric Films That Opened Friday, May 25 and Opening Friday, June 1”
I’m happy to report that this Friday several women-centered films are opening in theaters, some in limited release. While I doubt these films will all be fabulous feminist explorations of gender constructs that also depict women’s actual real-life experiences–and some of them might even be anti-feminist (I don’t necessarily have high hopes for What to … Continue reading “Women-Centric Films Opening Friday, May 18”
Bully (2011) This piece is from Monthly Contributor Carrie Nelson. Growing up, I was never one of the “cool” kids. Far from it – I had a few close friends, but I also spent a lot of time by myself, reading and writing and daydreaming about movies I wanted to make someday. I also never … Continue reading “Bully: Documentary Review”
Violet (Emily Blunt) and Tom (Jason Segal) I’ve never planned a wedding and I’ve never been engaged. Yet I can relate to the The Five-Year Engagement’s premise. My dream is to move to NYC and become a writer. While my partner is incredibly supportive of me, he loathes NYC and has a life in Boston. … Continue reading “‘The Five-Year Engagement:’ Exploration of Gender Roles & Lovable Actors Can’t Save Rom-Com’s Subtly Anti-Feminist Message”
Movie poster for Vamps Vamps, the new indie film directed by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone and Krysten Ritter (the upcoming star of the TV show Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23) takes the vampire genre and turns it into a fun, feminist celebration of youth culture and female friendship. The film is … Continue reading “Movie Review: How ‘Vamps’ Showcases the Importance of Women Friendships”
Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair in NBC’s Best Friends Forever “Hey, you always have a choice when it comes to your vagina.” So says Lennon on NBC’s new sitcom that premiered last night, Best Friends Forever. And yes, you do have a choice, when it comes to vaginas and other things. So should you … Continue reading “‘Best Friends Forever’ TV Series Focuses on Two Female Friends, Which Must Infuriate Sexist ‘Two and A Half Men’ Creator”
What’s Love Got to Do With It? by Candice Frederick Bassett’s was not only one of the defining performances for women in cinema; it was also one that became a benchmark for actresses of color. Her riveting portrayal role was further punctuated by the remarkable writing. Many lead roles for women of color since then … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week 2012: The Roundup”
Serial killer Aileen Wuornos, immortalized in an Oscar-winning film and two documentaries This is a guest post from Gabriella Apicella. Aileen Wuornos was executed for killing six men. She is as infamous a serial killer as Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, and Charles Manson. Her notoriety was secured with the Oscar-winning film Monster: brave and complex, … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Two Documentaries about Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer and Life and Death of a Serial Killer”
Frida (2002) I’ll confess to being a little bit obsessed with Frida Kahlo. A copy of her journals sits on my bookshelf. A postcard of one of her numerous self portraits gazes at me from a bedroom wall. A quote from the movie about her life made an appearance in my wedding ceremony. Hell, I even named … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Frida”
Women in Biopics In November 2009, I wrote a brief analysis of the films that won the Academy Award for Best Picture between 2000 and 2010, ultimately asking the question, “What do these films have in common?” The answer is, of course, men. With the exception of Crash (which qualifies as an ensemble drama in … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Women and Biopics–Where Are the Best Picture Nominations?”
