The radical notion that women like good movies
This piece on The Blind Side, by Stephanie Rogers, first appeared at Bitch Flicks on March 3, 2010. ———- The Blind Side movie poster No. No to the over-abundant racial stereotypes showcased throughout the film. No to the kind-hearted southern woman as the Black man’s White Savior. No to the shallow, embarrassing, surface-level portrayal of … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: The Blind Side, Take 1”
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”
Monster (2003) This is a guest post from Charlie Shipley. “Well, I’ve walked these streets / A virtual stage it seemed to me / Makeup on their faces / Actors took their places next to me”-Natalie Merchant, “Carnival” We know the mass-culturally-sanctioned narrative about Patty Jenkins’ directorial debut, Monster: Charlize Theron got “ugly” and delivered … Continue reading “Biopic and Documentary Week: Monster”
Bee Movie (2007) This is a guest post from Nicola Mason. While shopping one day recently, I happened upon and purchased Bee Movie, the 2007 animated film featuring characters voiced by Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger. I had taken up beekeeping a few months before—had a hive of some 10,000 bees in my backyard—and I’d … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Bee Movie”
We know that one of the causes of the lack of diverse representation of women in media and film is that there are not enough women behind the camera, not enough women telling their stories, and not enough of these stories being produced. We also know that media both reflects and shapes the culture. The … Continue reading “TEDx Women: Rachel Simmons”
Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins This is a guest post from Peggy Cooke. I feel guilty bringing up Ann Perkins in any discussion of Parks and Recreation, mainly because the positive relationship between Ann and Leslie is one of the main things that makes the show so great (and groundbreaking!) for many people (read: … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Ann Perkins and Me: It’s Complicated”
The Descendants (2011) Amber’s Take: I went into The Descendants knowing only: George Clooney, land inheritance, and Hawaii. Had I even taken the time to visit IMDb and read the one-line synopsis (“A land baron tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident.”), I would have known a … Continue reading “The Descendants: Review in Conversation”
Justine as Ophelia? from Melancholia (2011) This is a guest post from Hannah Reck. “All say, ‘How hard it is that we have to die’—a strange complaint to come from people who have had to live.” –Mark Twain As a mother of a 3-year-old, I don’t get out much, and, on my evenings off, I’d … Continue reading “Guest Writer Wednesday: Melancholia, Take 2”
The Good Patriarch: The Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne This is a guest post from Stephanie Brown. The Descendants is a movie about patriarchy, about husbandry and fatherhood as verb and action rather than noun and abstraction, about stewardship and responsibility. It implies that being a responsible and engaged and aware man is the key … Continue reading “The Descendants: Oscar Best Picture and Indie Spirit Best Feature Nominee”
When I look at the sloppy homemade label on my screener of 50/50, it looks like it says, “so-so.” Despite solid reviews and the year-end awards nominations, that pretty much sums up how I feel about the movie.
This is a guest review by Jessica Pieklo. ———- It’s hardly a surprise that a movie chronicling life inside a major financial firm during the 24 hours before the Wall Street collapse of 2008 would be dominated by men. Margin Call boasts a stunning ensemble cast featuring Kevin Spacey, Stanley Tucci, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, … Continue reading “Indie Spirit Best First Feature Nominee: Margin Call”
Of the Best Actress nominations at the Oscars this year, two stand apart from the rest. Not because of the skill of the actresses, but because they depict real-life figures. Through these portrayals much can be learned about the ways women are represented on screen: The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, and … Continue reading “Best Actress Oscar Nominees: Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams”
