Sunday 26 April 2009

Thelma and Louise [1991]


Thelma and Louise, in the great tradition of revisionist genre movies, did exactly what Ridley Scott perhaps intended – by having two working-class women as its protagonists instead of rugged, disillusioned men, it forever demythologized the very masculine concept of “hitting the road”. In that sense, it may be put on par with Unforgiven, Clint Eastwood’s classic revisionist Western that erased the elements of romanticism from the much loved all-American genre. Geena Davis, as an overtly naïve housewife who is treated like a piece of furniture by her supercilious husband, and Susan Sarandon, as a free-spirited lady with a loving if commitment-phobic fiancé (played with casual élan by Michael Madsen), form the eponymous all-girl couple who hit the road on a beaut of a beast – a Thunderbird convertible – to get away from ’em all. However, what was supposed to be a few days of fun and freedom turns ugly, and the two find themselves on the run from the law. Spectacular panoramic photography, snazzy soundtracks, smart screenplay that ensures smooth yet memorable development of the two principal characters, a scintillating car chase sequence, and an unforgettable climax (the final freeze frame is one for the ages), completely masked the somewhat B-grade look of the film and the not so inspired turns by the two ladies. Watch out for Harvey Keitel as a sympathetic cop and a young Brad Pitt as a glibly opportunistic small-time crook.








Director: Ridley Scott
Genre: Drama/Crime Drama/Road Movie/Buddy Film
Language: English
Country: US

5 comments:

Amritorupa Kanjilal said...

one of my favourite movies... thanks buddy :)

i watched welcome to sajjanpur yesterday. have you seen it/reviewed it?

Shubhajit said...

Thanks for liking the review. A very nice movie indeed.

No, haven't watched sajjanpur. How's it?

Bhargav Saikia said...

Excellent review!

I loved this film only because of Susan Sarandon. Her screen presence is mind boggling, almost close to my favouite Meryl Streep! Have you seen her in Dead Man Walking?

Shubhajit said...

Thanks a lot. You're right, Susan Sarandon hardly ever disappoints, ditto here. Yeah, I've seen Dead Man Walking - it featured great performances by Sarandon and Sean Penn, and a terrific song by Bruce Springsteen.

ShantanuDas said...

Do you think we can do something meanigful??I personally have diverted to this National Activities.. so thought should share wth u.
That is all.
Sorry.