I love T& H, here’s why:
If you find yourself scouring your closet for vintage mom jeans and wielding a blowdryer gun in the mirror, you probably just finished watching “Thelma and Louise” (2000). An impromptu feminist-Western, “Thelma and Louise” will have you wanting to drink Jack Daniels and buy a sleeveless biker-top. This film is for adults alike. Be ready to giggle and cry your away across the southwestern US in the outlaw-esque and epic road trip film.
Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) is a frustrated housewife tasked with doting over her pompous, unloving husband, Darryl Dickinson (Christopher McDonald). Thelma and Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) embark on a trip to Louise’s employer’s vacation home for the weekend. Armed with nearly all her belongings, Thelma rode shotgun in Louise’s teal Thunderbird as they leave their drab lives behind for a little excitement- or so they think. After a detrimental encounter, Thelma and Louise’s vacation turns to a darkly humorous evasion of the police as they head to Mexico. Along the way, they meet J.D (Brad Pitt), Jimmy, a vulgar truck driver, and several elderly people that infatuate Louise. A modern staple of feminist media, “Thelma and Louise” has all the laughs of a comedy and tears of a drama with an explosive ending.
Callie Khouri’s breakout screenplay had intricate social commentary not seen in many blockbuster films. Additionally, it was unique to have not only one but two, female leads in a film while scattering supportive roles to a male cast. Within “Thelma and Louise,” the portrayal of gender relations in the not-so-distant past gives us a glimpse of a subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) oppressive society. Thelma and Louise run across a variety of male characters in the film- most with malignant M. O’s. By examining the experiences of Thelma and Louise with the male characters, it is clear that Khouri is reflecting on the patriarchal society that abounds in the U.S.
Along with the complex relationship portrayed between genders, the relationship dynamic between Thelma and Louise themselves shifts. Thelma initially has a very innocent and sensitive demeanor. She was somewhat submissive to Louise, following her directions. Louise started out as the stronger figure, taking charge and planning. As the movie progresses, Thelma finds her confidence and her voice which leads the friends to be more of a partnership than ever before. By making the women grow closer to each other shows solidarity. Despite all the hardships that Thelma and Louise endure, they still love one another and even manage to laugh.
Cinematically, this film was spectacular. Director, Ridley Scott, creates detailed shots of the teal Thunderbird in various scenes throughout the movie. The contrast between the blue T-bird and the warm colors of the Western landscape is aesthetically pleasing. If you were to pause the film at any number of locations, the screen could easily be mistaken for an oil painting. Along with the visual artistry, “Thelma and Louise” integrate a unique soundtrack featuring Martha Reeves, Charlie Sexton, among others. Overall, “Thelma and Louise” has an intricate storyline along with a dynamic cast and excellent cinematography. If you are looking for a modern-day classic with strong female characters and humorous undertones- “Thelma and Louise” is perfect.