This month’s ‘Modern Classic‘ was recommended to me by a book blogger friend of mine. If you like books as well as films then you should check out her blog, NSFordWriter.com.

As this is still a relatively new feature, here’s a quick recap of my self-imposed rules

• Post 1990 release date
• Should be a first time viewing
• Must watch in full

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Kietel, Michael Madsen, Brad Pitt, Christopher McDonald

Awards: Five Oscar Nominations – Best Director, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Best Leading Actress (Susan Sarandon) and Best Leading Actress (Geena Davis). One Oscar Win – Best Original Screenplay

Diner waitress Louise (Susan Sarandon) is having problems with her boyfriend Jimmy (Michael Madsen) who, as a musician, is always on the road. Her best friend Thelma (Geena Davis) is a sexually repressed housewife whose husband Darryl (Christopher McDonald) believes women should be quiet and in the kitchen.

Louise persuades Thelma to go on a girls weekend getaway but their adventure soon turns into a flight from the law after Louise kills a man who tried to rape Thelma. With the police on their tail they decide to make a break to Mexico. Along the way both women rediscover themselves, their own self-worth and the strength of their friendship.

What I particularly liked about this film is that the balance between male and female characters was very cleverly done. Despite what it may seem on the surface, this is not an ‘anti-male’ film. Yes, there are some unpleasant characters including an emotionally abusive husband (Christopher McDonald) and a serial rapist (Timothy Carhart), but the rest of the male characters are, although flawed, portrayed in a positive light.

Widely considered to be his breakout role, Brad Pitt is charming and charismatic as J.D the hitchhiker/felon, who despite his foibles is sweet and kind to Thelma, showing her ”what all the fuss is about” sexually and allowing her to discover who she really is. Michael Madsen goes a little against the grain, as Louise’s sweet and loving boyfriend, who supports her in her time of need, no questions asked.

On the surface, it would be easy to think that this is an ‘anti-male’ film however, with the exception of an emotionally abusive husband (Christopher McDonald) and someone who appears to be a serial rapist (Timothy Carhart), the male characters are shown to be compassionate, loving and kind, and everything we learn about the is in relation to their interactions with the two female leads.

Speaking of, both leading ladies shine in their respective roles, brilliantly balancing both sides of their personalities; the women the world has made them to be and the women they truly are underneath. They share a great chemistry which makes their friendship believable.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film, it was beautifully shot and well edited. I loved the character progression of the two female leads and that symbolic ending has quickly become one of my favourites. If you’ve not seen it, then I would definitely recommend you give it a watch.

Until next time… x

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