The Women: Hollywood and film
Posted on June 7, 2008
Filed Under Arts/Culture, Entertainment, Film/Video, Gay/Lesbian, Women | Comments Off on The Women: Hollywood and film
Riding on the box office success of Sex and the City, and the strong female turn out for Hillary Clinton’s historic campaign, Hollywood execs have finally figured out the we are a powerful and lucrative demographic. Already lined up are scores of films catering to the fairer sex.
Coming this fall is a remake of the 1939 classic, The Women, directed by Diane English and starring Jada Pinkett Smith as (oh my god) a lesbian.
The original film was based on Clare Booth Luce’s play of the same name. The film’s entire cast of more than 130 roles was female.
Set in the glamorous New York Apartments of high society, it presented an acidic and catty commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of the various rich, bored wives and other women encountered. Throughout the film, not a single male is seen, although, definitely talked about and a central theme in their relationships.
In the 2008 version, the story centers on a group of gossipy, high-society women who spend their days at the beauty salon, and haunting fashion shows. The sweet, happily-wedded Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) finds her marriage in trouble when shop girl Crystal Allen, (Eva Mendes) gets her hooks into Mary’s man.
Naturally, this situation becomes the hot talk amongst Mary’s catty friends, especially the scandalmonger Sylvia Fowler, (Annette Benning).Mary and Sylvia’s relationship is tested to the breaking point while their tight-knit circle of friends, including mega-mommy Edie Cohen (Debra Messing) and author Alex Fisher (Jada Pinkett-Smith), all start to question their own friendships and romantic relationships as well.
While I welcome more roles for women in film and more jobs behind the scenes, isn’t it time we stopped perpetuating the same old stereotypes? The gossip, the “I can’t live without a man” syndrome, the competition?
We need more films about strong, independent women living their lives. True stories about the struggles we go through in this white patriarchal society. Hey, it could be a comedy. Or how about a full on Hollywood lesbian story FOR women, not men. Screened not at an independent film festival or back room video store, but at your local theatre. Wow, what an idea?
This year, the Oscar winner in the documentary short film category was a film called Freeheld.
A touching story about Lt. Laurel Hester, a detective from Ocean County New Jersey who struggles to transfer her pension to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“Freeheld” captures a quieter, personal story: that of the deep love between Laurel and Stacie as they face the reality of losing each other.Unfortunately, and not surprisingly, I never did see a theatrical release of this film. However, it will be out on DVD in August 2008. Please watch it!
