Woman

Add a Comment

17 Comments

Comment by Alex DeLarge on May 13, 2008 at 6:32pm

Check out these performances: Maria Falconetti in Dreyer's legendary LA PASSION DE JEANNE D'ARC...I think one of the finest performances in the history of cinema. Wow.
Or Gloria Swanson in Wilder's darkly humorous SUNSET BLVD. For more recent fare rent Cuaron's Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN for an incredible and luscious performance by Maribel Verdu.

Comment by Alex DeLarge on May 13, 2008 at 5:44pm

The male dominated film industry leaves little room for strong, independant women...as actors, writers or directors. Very sad. But there are some great films nonetheless. Just a few that your humble narrator enjoys: SEVEN BEAUTIES (directed by Lina Wertmuller), WAITRESS (written, directed, starring the late Adrienne Shelly with a fine performance from Keri Russell: check out my review!), TRUST (with another strong performance from Adrienne Shelly), and how about some anime like PAPRIKA or SPIRITED AWAY!
I disagree about THE BRAVE ONE and think Jodi Foster's acting borders on the grotesque: not believable or convincing and just another "chick-with-a-gun" flick full of Freudian innuendo. It is definately a movie written by a guy who knows very little about victimization or the criminal justice system. Again, read my review to get the big picture. Great topic and hope more poeple join in the discussion!

Comment by Devans00 on May 10, 2008 at 8:48pm

I finally got around to watching Pan's Labyrinth (aka El Laberinto del fauno). I loved Mercedes played by Maribel Verdú. She was strong and resolute without being a cartoonish superhero.

The two young teen girls of The Last House on the Left were pretty strong too. They literally went through hell but they kept resisting as much as they could as long as they could. It was a refreshing change to the usual blubbering mess victims get to play.

Comment by Jess on May 9, 2008 at 10:02pm

I had already read the book and tonight I watched the movie "Sybil." It was fantastic!! For those of you who do not know, it is based on a true story about a woman with a personality disorder due to the abuse she experienced as a child. This woman is so couragous and strong to make it through such an ordeal. I highly recommend this movie!

Comment by Secret Agent Gal on May 9, 2008 at 8:02pm

Great idea for a group, Jess! Here is my list of Strong Women in Film .... it's pretty wide ranging! We see strength mixed with vulnerability in many of these characters.

As far as documentaries, there's a great one on Julia Butterfly Hill - entitled Butterfly (2000). I found it very unusual and interesting.

As far as actresses I admire - there are so many! But I'd have to include Katharine Hepburn, Jodie Foster, Hilary Swank and Holly Hunter.

Comment by BigBen on May 8, 2008 at 7:35pm

You know, I have always been kind of drawn to movies about the underdog. I thought Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers were pretty good.

Comment by Jess on May 5, 2008 at 7:08pm

Hilary Swank was also very good in Million Dollar Baby. She also did a good job in Boys Don't Cry. However, that movie can be very disturbing.

Comment by Jess on May 4, 2008 at 9:06pm

I just saw Iron jawed Angels this semster and loved it. I really liked Mona lisa smiles too.

Comment by MovieGirl on May 4, 2008 at 12:35pm

Iron Jawed Angels - I thought Hilary Swank was wonderful in this. The message? Don't mess with suffragettes!

Comment by Meredith on May 3, 2008 at 6:43pm

Devans00, those Film Noir women are pretty tough broads...too bad they're always the "bad guy"! I absolutely loved a League of their Own and, although I haven't seen it in several years, I still have fond memories :o) I love, love, love Jennifer Saunders (French and Saunders; Absolutely Fabulous) and I love that she writes, acts, directs, etc.

• 1
• 2