By Sayuri Persotham
Considering the major buzz surrounding the new Barbie movie, director Greta Gerwig is becoming a household name. However, the popular franchise has not been Gerwig’s only stab at the world of femininity. She has, in fact, been creating feminist impressions in the Hollywood industry since the beginning of her acting days.
Actor, director, scriptwriter - What can’t Greta Gerwig do? Gerwig has starred in numerous female-led films, including Jackie, 20th Century Women, and Frances Ha. Taking the world by storm with her star-studded retelling of Little Women, Gerwig’s immaculate directing skills were also highlighted. In tow, with her trademark feminist approach, of course. As a soon-to-be mother of two, Gerwig balances a successful career while fulfilling a personal life. In juggling all these various roles, she serves as a stellar example of ‘having it all.’
Image source: www.variety.com/exec/greta-gerwig/
Winning the hearts of women everywhere with her charming candour, Gerwig jokes, “[I long to see a retelling of] the bible, from the perspective of women,” in a Vogue 72 questions interview. (watch here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOfZj_ylJUc). She goes on to explain that her mother was a feminist, largely impacting Gerwig’s outlook on today’s society. Her goal now is to conquer the conventional prejudices of women in film. “No hoop skirts or corsets,” she asserts while commenting on the making of Little Women.
Her recurring agenda of female empowerment, complements Gerwig’s sense of romanticism. She pulls inspiration from the works of Jane Austen and classics like Dancing In the Rain to create classic and un-classic representations of love. Her favorite movie line is as follows: “You will get bored of him in two years, but we will be interesting forever.” As if she couldn’t get more relatable, Gerwig likes Converse and baggy shirts too!
The uniqueness of Gerwig’s productions center on her unequivocal tendency to portray stories through ‘womanly eyes.’ She highlights female perspectives in storytelling, a strongly overlooked aspect in the male-dominated industry of Hollywood. Laurie Metcalf, who plays Lady Bird’s mother as directed by Gerwig, states that her role “was the first time [she] was actually able to think as a real woman.” Whether in supporting roles or directing, Gerwig portrays the stories of all types of women. Below is a list of her most feminist-driven films:
1. Jackie:
Image source: www.filmandtvnow.com
Jackie is a retelling of President J. F. Kennedy’s death from the perspective of his wife, Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman). A story of mourning, strength, and motherhood; Jackie must fight her loss while balancing her family and managing public appearances. She struggles to retain her agency, following directives from Nancy (Greta Gerwig), her loyal confidante. At the epicenter of the storm, Jackie finds herself caught in a facade between the roles of grieving widow and First Lady.
2. 20th Century Women
Image sourced: www.reelrundown.com
20th Century Women follows the lives of a single mother (Annette Bening) and her socially awkward adolescent son. To guide him, she enlists the help of her eclectic housemates: an artist recovering from cervical cancer (Greta Gerwig), a teenager exploring her sexuality (Elle Fanning), and a heartbroken mechanic. Through their collective pain, each character finds solace before going their separate ways.
3. Ladybird
Image sourced: www.reelrundown.com
Director Greta Gerwig created Lady Bird, a realistic coming-of-age story headed by protagonist Saoirse Ronan. As a senior oddball, Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson contends with relationships, sex, popularity, and getting into a prestigious college. She faces the real-world struggles of a 20th-century teenager in a fresh portrayal of self-discovery.
4. Little Women
Image sourced: www.pepperdine-graphics.com
Little Women is a classic reproduction detailing the adventures of the March sisters. In a compelling story of love, loss, and sisterhood, the girls reflect on their loving upbringing, which builds them into strong, mature individuals. Each daughter follows her own path, be it marriage, career, or family, battling challenges along the way.
Gerwig is able to capture the essence of womanhood, making her films absolutely captivating. Her artistry intrigues the masses by creating relatable portrayals of women in film. Be it a mother, adolescent, tomboy, or punk-rock artist. Her execution of varied female representations is commendable! As a woman of influence in Hollywood, Gerwig carries her position with honor and inclusivity. Her work is a universal message to women from all backgrounds and has created great waves in the cinematic industry.
Viewers are highly anticipating the release of Barbie, wondering what fresh perspective Gerwig will take on the highly controversial franchise. We look forward to a redefinition of the stereotypical beauty standards that have been closely related to the dreaded Barbie doll. In the meantime, though, we appreciate all the feminist productions she has unleashed thus far! Greta Gerwig is a formidable force in entertainment and the absolute embodiment of femininity in film.