Two best friends go on the run for murder after killing a would-be rapist.
CRIME/DRAMA
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Thelma & Louise (1991)Directed by Ridley Scott
Written by Callie Khouri Starring Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brad Pitt, Timothy Carhart Oscar Wins - Best Original Screenplay Oscar Nominations - Best Actress (Susan Sarandon), Best Actress (Geena Davis), Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing |
For some reason I'll never understand, I always assumed Thelma & Louise was a comedy. Maybe it's because the first time I ever heard of it was when I saw it parodied in 1994's Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult. Regardless, I was surprised to see just how serious this film was. It's a stellar road drama held up by fantastic performances from Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. It's a film that's become a feminist icon and a vehicle for female empowerment, as well it should. It's somewhat satisfying to watch two women take their lives into their own hands and kick the patriarchal society's ass.
Thelma (Davis) is a quiet housewife who is married to a complete dick named Darryl (McDonald, who is quite adept at playing a dick). Her best friend Louise (Sarandon) suggests a road trip to the mountains, where they can spend two days not worrying about a damn thing. While on this trip, they stop at a honky tonk and Thelma is almost raped by a trucker. But before the rape can occur, Louise shoots him in the chest. Now they're on the run, and Mexico is their only game plan. But killing the rapist awakens something in them. They rob convenience stores, they attack a wolf-whistling trucker, and they lock a cop in the trunk of his own car. They're living, maybe for the first time in their lives, and all they care about is doing things their own way. I can see why so many women have become attached to this film. It's a blueprint for grabbing a male-dominated society by the balls and fucking shit up regardless of the consequences. It's the American dream. Thelma & Louise is a great road movie that has stood the test of time thanks to its great characters, impressive script, and flawless performances. We get to see a young Brad Pitt as a cowboy con-man, and we get a great score by the great Hans Zimmer. There's so much to like about this film, and I'm glad I finally watched it. |