The radical notion that women like good movies
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”
Gloria Steinem in HBO’s Gloria: In Her Own Words If I were to ask you to name a famous feminist, who would you say? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that most of you would probably say Gloria Steinem. And with good reason. A pioneering feminist icon, she’s been the face … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: ‘Gloria: In Her Own Words’”
Gorillas in the Mist (1988) This piece is from Monthly Contributor Carrie Nelson. This post contains spoilers about the film Gorillas in the Mist. For nearly 20 years, zoologist Dian Fossey lived and worked among the mountain gorillas in Africa. Her work as a researcher and animal rights activist is responsible for raising awareness about … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Gorillas in the Mist”
Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette Many chastised Sofia Coppola’s re-imagining of Marie Antoinette. Some critics complained about the addition of modern music while others thought it looked too slick, like an MTV music video (remember those??). But I think most people missed the point. Beyond the confectionary colors, gorgeous shots of lavish costumes … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette’ Surprisingly Feminist”
You can’t be what you can’t see. That’s just one of the reasons we need more women filmmakers and more diverse portrayals of complex women on-screen. At this year’s Oscars, actor Gabby Sidibe astutely declared: “The way I watch movies, I’m really searching for myself because I don’t get to see enough of myself and … Continue reading “Happy International Women’s Day: 11 Films that Celebrate Inspiring & Trailblazing Women”
(L-R): ‘Pariah’ Producer Nekisa Cooper & Writer/Director Dee Rees, winning John Cassavetes Award So I groaned the moment I discovered Seth Rogen was hosting the Independent Spirit Awards, which aired last Saturday night on IFC. I mean, after his shitshow appearance at the Golden Globes, making that sexual harassment comment to Kate Beckinsale on-stage, I’m … Continue reading “Women & Gender at the 2012 Indie Spirit Awards”
In addition to Oduye’s Best Female Lead nomination, Pariah is also nominated for the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award. The film has received numerous other nominations and awards. This piece, by Carrie Nelson, first appeared at Bitch Flicks on January 25, 2012. Alike (Adepero Oduye) in Pariah I enjoyed many films in 2011. All of … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best Female Lead Nominee: Adepero Oduye in ‘Pariah’”
Beginners (2010) This is a guest post from Megan Ryland. (Does contain minor, vague spoilers) Beginners introduces us to Oliver (Ewan McGregor), who is struggling to cope with the life and death of his father, while also attempting to fall in love. Told in memories that collide with the present day, the narrative moves forward … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best Feature Nominee: Beginners”
Mia Wasikowska and Glenn Close in ‘Albert Nobbs’ “You don’t have to be anything but what you are.” Hubert Page (Janet McTeer) tells the titular Albert Nobbs played by Glenn Close. But in a time where women possessed no status, no rights – when your only options were as a wife, servant or prostitute – … Continue reading “‘Albert Nobbs’ Review: Exploring Constrictions of Gender & Class”
Ava DuVernay, director of Middle of Nowhere From Essence Magazine: Congratulations are in order for filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who over the weekend became the first African American woman to take home the U.S. directing award at the Sundance Film Festival. DuVernay received the award for her second feature film, “Middle of Nowhere,” which tells the … Continue reading “Ava DuVernay Wins Directing Award at Sundance Film Festival”
Pariah (2011) This is a guest post from Carrie Nelson. I enjoyed many films in 2011. All of my favorite films of the year, however, were the ones that unnerved me with their honesty, sticking in my thoughts long after the end credits rolled. One of those films was Martha Marcy May Marlene, which I’ve … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Review – Pariah”
Gina Carano as Mallory Kane in ‘Haywire’ Who is Gina Carano? That question might haunt you after watching Haywire or seeing its trailer. We need more women in films, especially in the action genre. But is having a film revolve around a tough, smart female protagonist who kicks ass enough to change gender roles on-screen? … Continue reading “‘Haywire’ Review: Gender and an Ass-Kicking Woman”
