Rent Thelma and Louise (1991)

Modern Classic - Thelma and Louise review by GI

A remarkable crime/road movie that sparked massive debate around feminism and women's representation in cinema and the reversal of gender roles, in particular in regards to violence, guns and the law. It's a film that shows great insight in the mind of director Ridley Scott and a film that does lend itself to very detailed critical analysis. Suffice to say here that this is a landmark film and a complex reworking of the American outlaw narrative and to that end it's a mini masterpiece and a film to really savour time and time again. Thelma (Geena Davis) and her best friend Louise (Susan Sarandon) head off for a weekend break in Louise's iconic 1966 T-Bird convertible. Both are escaping difficulties in their relationships but a quick stopover results in a chance violent incident which forces the two to become fugitives. Hunted by the police they become more desperate but find within themselves a resolve to shake off the shackles of their lives in order to escape. With a stunning soundtrack and support cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen and a young Brad Pitt this is definitely a film you have to see if you've never seen it and if it's an old favourite then time to watch again. A fantastic film from a master director who shed his reputation as a visual director to the detriment of character with this film because this is a masterclass in character, narrative drive and sheer beauty in the cinematography.