Thelma and Louise: Film Response

Today we watched the 1991 Ridley Scott film, Thelma and Louise, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. It was a well made film, but the narrative wasn't interesting enough for me to say I'd watch it again.

The film told the story of Thelma Dickinson and Louise Sawyer, who are on the run from the police after murdering a man. They try to escape by driving to Mexico, and the film details their journey and the complications that arise due to the police and other unforeseen obstacles.

The performances by the main cast were very good, with Sarandon and Davis' characters being the binary opposition of each other which the actresses played perfectly. Sarandon was multi- dimensional as Louise, playing both her strong confidence, but also her fear and vulnerability beneath the tough exterior as the film went on. Geena Davis was convincing as the naive and slightly dim-witted Thelma, and played the character development to a strong, independent woman in a subtle yet noticeable way. 

There were also memorable supporting actors too including Brad Pitt's charming but thieving character J.D, and Harvey Keitel's detective Hal.

The story was well set against the dry, desert background, and I was impressed by the use of pathetic fallacy throughout. I was also impressed by the use of props, the car especially. It was used well to portray the fact that it was Thelma and Louise's only escape from their hard, mundane lives. It eventually became your classic outlaws' get-away car. This transition was done very well.

The one thing that I was disappointed with was the ending. After all the development these characters went through and how the whole thing left you wondering the next step, the climax of the film felt like more of an anti-climax to me. It most definitely was a cop-out. 

Overall, an enjoyable watch, but not a favourite. Probably a 6 or 7 out of 10 in my opinion.