The title characters (played by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, respectively) are friends in Arkansas who set out for a weekend getaway. After a terribly unexpected set of events at the beginning of the trip, the two end up as fugitives fleeing the law.
The film's screenplay by Callie Khouri might have a few questionable quirks (why would 'smart' Louise leave an enormous responsibility to less-reliable Thelma - among a few other quirks) but the greatness of the story exceeds any flaws. In addition, the plot line has many fascinating segments and a powerful conclusion. While it is ultimately a drama, it has many comical lines and situations that could outdo many official comedies. And primarily, it draws rare attention to the plight of many women who live through the trauma of rape while believing that if the crime were reported to the police, there might be further trauma.
The two lead actresses are brilliant - not just individually but even more so as members of a two-part ensemble especially during their many conflicts. Sarandon has many scenes that show a deep intensity and bring out her very best. And Davis has fun as the character who changes the most throughout the film. As someone who seems klutzy (likely due to years of living with a nasty husband), she later shows an unusual competence as a criminal when necessary. During one scene, her advice to a police officer is not only the funniest line in the film, it is also seems to be a summation of the movie's main message.
"Thelma and Louise" could be compared to earlier classics like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". It is most powerful in its last forty-five minutes or so when doom seems to be catching up but not present yet. Here is where there is a gradual attitude of loosening the rules especially when dealing with a vulgar, obscene truck driver. There's nothing left to lose now: let's enjoy this for as long as we can. It's also touching to know that Thelma is experiencing real travel for the first time. The scenery in the US Southwest is astounding. The bond between the women is most powerful in the final scenes as well. The language is subtle and understated which has more impact than a bunch of "I love you" proclamations could ever have.
Director Ridley Scott does a superb job in pacing, intensity, subtlety, sensitivity, humour, and a very powerful conclusion (a scene involving a helicopter and a canyon horizon was brilliant). Some earlier scenes involving Louise and her boyfriend (Michael Madsen) are a touching contrast to the film's other scenes. And the use of subtle guitar music during scene changes was also very effective.
Always brilliant after every viewing. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10 (after five viewings)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Ridley Scott
Acting by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.
The film's screenplay by Callie Khouri might have a few questionable quirks (why would 'smart' Louise leave an enormous responsibility to less-reliable Thelma - among a few other quirks) but the greatness of the story exceeds any flaws. In addition, the plot line has many fascinating segments and a powerful conclusion. While it is ultimately a drama, it has many comical lines and situations that could outdo many official comedies. And primarily, it draws rare attention to the plight of many women who live through the trauma of rape while believing that if the crime were reported to the police, there might be further trauma.
The two lead actresses are brilliant - not just individually but even more so as members of a two-part ensemble especially during their many conflicts. Sarandon has many scenes that show a deep intensity and bring out her very best. And Davis has fun as the character who changes the most throughout the film. As someone who seems klutzy (likely due to years of living with a nasty husband), she later shows an unusual competence as a criminal when necessary. During one scene, her advice to a police officer is not only the funniest line in the film, it is also seems to be a summation of the movie's main message.
"Thelma and Louise" could be compared to earlier classics like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". It is most powerful in its last forty-five minutes or so when doom seems to be catching up but not present yet. Here is where there is a gradual attitude of loosening the rules especially when dealing with a vulgar, obscene truck driver. There's nothing left to lose now: let's enjoy this for as long as we can. It's also touching to know that Thelma is experiencing real travel for the first time. The scenery in the US Southwest is astounding. The bond between the women is most powerful in the final scenes as well. The language is subtle and understated which has more impact than a bunch of "I love you" proclamations could ever have.
Director Ridley Scott does a superb job in pacing, intensity, subtlety, sensitivity, humour, and a very powerful conclusion (a scene involving a helicopter and a canyon horizon was brilliant). Some earlier scenes involving Louise and her boyfriend (Michael Madsen) are a touching contrast to the film's other scenes. And the use of subtle guitar music during scene changes was also very effective.
Always brilliant after every viewing. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10 (after five viewings)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Ridley Scott
Acting by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis.