A victory for girl power
By Yahoo! Shopping User Aug 31, 2000 | 1 out of 1 found this Thelma & Louise (1991) review helpful
This movie should have a warning slapped on it:
Attention men, this could be seriously damaging to your
health! And indeed this is accurate, as Thelma (Geena
Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) single handedly show
up the darker, more sinister sides ...of the male
gender.Without holding back, I've always loved this movie. There
is so little to criticise and so many excellent
aspects of it, it's hard not to like Thelma & Louise. To
start with, the acting is first class. Davis and
Sarandon are thoroughly convincing as two best friends in
over their heads, but always having a plan of action.
The cinematography is breathtaking, possibly some of
the most poignant scenery shots to ever grace a
movie. But the thing which really makes Thelma & Louise
complete is the soundtrack. The music is outstanding,
always the right song for the right occasion, and always
captuing the mood of the moment. One of the most memorable
moments in the film (apart from the ending, see below) is
where Thelma and Louise are driving through Monument
Valley to the sound of Marianne Faithfull's 'The Ballad
of Lucy Jordan'. Excellent stuff.The film
sets the mood almost immediately, as we are introduced
to Thelma and her arrogant, verbally abusive husband
Daryl. This sets the tone for the whole movie, with men
being portrayed as lying would-be rapists with the
exception of Harvey Keitel, who is superb in the role of
the pursuing detective.Thelma & Louise was
also a major breakthrough for Brad Pitt, starring as
J.D., who again follows the role of the 'tradional
male' in this movie by robbing the girls of their
savings. The chemistry between J.D. and Thelma is very
convincing, as is the unshakable bond the girls form as they
try to make it to Mexico.Are there any bad
points about this movie? Well, some reviewers have
criticised the ending, where the girls drive off the Grand
Canyon, as being too morbid. But the whole point of the
movie was to emphasise the bond between Thelma and
Louise, and this last scene instills just that, leaving
the audience a lasting memory of friendship mixed
with determination.If you haven't seen this
movie, I strongly recommend it. The DVD has a few
extras, none of them outstanding, but adequate. Director
Ridley Scott's commentary is especially interesting, as
is the alternate ending. Go buy Thelma & Louise -
you won't regret it. Read more Less
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