The Fresh Films Review: Thelma & Louise (1991)

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Directed by:
Ridley Scott

COUNTRY
USA

GENRE
Drama/Road

NORWEGIAN TITLE
Thelma & Louise

RUNNING TIME
129 minutes

Produced by:
Ridley Scott
Mimi Polk Gitlin

Written by:
Callie Khouri

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	PERFORMER	RATING
Louise Sawyer	Susan Sarandon
Thelma Dickinson	Geena Davis	½
Det. Hal Slocumb	Harvey Keitel
Jimmy Lennox	Michael Madsen
Darryl Dickinson	Christopher McDonald	½
FBI Agent Max	Stephen Tobolowsky	½
J.D.	Brad Pitt	½
Harlan	Timothy Carhart	-

Review

Though the story of Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) is heart-wrenching on the surface, offering a stark reminder of the harrowing effects of violence against women, it was the film's emblematic, timeless qualities that made it an instant classic and secured its position in the pantheon of film history. Combining tragic elements of Shakespearean proportions with a seductive Americana aesthetic and the allure of the open road, director Ridley Scott takes us on a two-hour journey of escapism with these two life-affirming women. Along the way, they are pursued by a posse of old-school men, few of whom understand their plight, though Detective Hal Slocumb (Harvey Keitel) and Louise's boyfriend Jimmy (Michael Madsen) at least make an effort. The film is filled with symbolic scenes and a non-aggressive brand of feminism that gives it an all-embracing quality. Film buffs may also appreciate the historical lineage to works such as Easy Rider and Bonnie and Clyde, regarding the need to break free from societal structures that work against you or hold you back. In many ways, Thelma & Louise remains Ridley Scott's most important film. Fine performances are the icing on the cake, with Davis and a young Brad Pitt, in his breakout role, standing out.