featured photo credit: Tamar Haviv
Rad Woman in Cinema
+ Autumn Nights
= YES
There is no order to this list, nor is it conclusive in any way (I didn’t even mention the Brat Pack!). In fact, I have been having an excruciating time writing it as my heart is being pulled in so many directions that I almost fell into a deep nap to avoid these choices.
Why is it so hard to write a list of some of my favorite films with stellar female performances?
It almost feels like making a mix tape for a best friend or lover- it’s like, ‘here is so much of my whole self and whole love and whole connectedness to the world laid out for you in this single listing of song after song or film after film.’ It feels like everything. As in, now you can see through me.
That’s scary. Now you have to show me yours.
Amelie
Audrey Tautou
courtesy of gablescinema.com
“Amelie is six. Like all little girls she would like to be hugged by her daddy. But he never touches her, except for a monthly check up. The thrill of this rare contact makes her heart beat like a drum. As a result he thinks she has a heart defect and is declared unfit for school.”
Edward Scissorhands
Winona Ryder
courtesy of http://www.anothermag.com
“People are afraid of me because I am different.”
You, Me and Everyone We Know
Miranda July
courtesy of the adored nerd
“I am prepared for amazing things to happen. I can handle it.”
Six Feet Under
Francis Conroy | Lauren Ambrose | Rachel Griffiths | Lili Taylor
courtesy of http://www.zeleb.es
“I just feel like all I do, all day long, is just manage myself, try to fuckin’ connect with people. But it’s like, no matter how much energy you pour into getting to the station on time, or getting on the right train, there’s still no fuckin’ guarantee that anybody’s gonna be there for you to pick you up when you get there.”
The Royal Tenenbaums
Gwyneth Paltrow
courtesy of: http://www.coolconnections.ru
“I’ll have a butterscotch sundae I guess. You probably don’t even know my middle name.”
Transparent
Judith Light | Jeffrey Tambor | Gabby Hoffman | Amy Landecker
courtesy of http://www.tv.com
“If I remember correctly, his lack of family was a strong selling point.”
Welcome To Me
Kristen Wiig
courtesy of: slantmagazine.com
“Hello, I’m Alice Klieg and welcome to me.”
The Tango Lesson
Sally Potter
Courtesy of: youtube
“I’ve been following you in the tango Pablo, but to make a film you have to follow me. Are you ready?”
Stranger Things
Millie Bobby Brown | Winona Rider
Courtesy of: variety.com
“Friends don’t lie.”
But I’m A Cheerleader
Natasha Lyonne | Clea DuVall
courtesy of directedbywomen.com
“We all love you and lately we’ve become concerned about certain behaviors. We’re afraid your being influenced by a way of thinking, ahh an unnatural, do you remember the woman on TV?”
“Hunny we think you’re a …. lesbian”
Ugly Betty
America Ferrara | Anna Ortiz | Vanessa Williams | Becki Newton | Judith Light | Selma Hayek
courtesy of universe-of-smash-bros-lawl.wikia.com
“This is what you wanted, isn’t it? To humiliate me and make me quit? God forbid you had to work with the ugly girl your dad forced you to hire.”
Harold and Maude
Ruth Gordon
courtesy of athenacinema.com
“You know, at one time, I used to break into pet shops to liberate the canaries. But I decided that was an idea way before its time. Zoos are full, prisons are overflowing… oh my, how the world still dearly loves a cage.”
Strictly Ballroom
Tara Morice | Pat Thomson | Gia Carides
courtesy of girldofilm.wordpress
“You’re just like the rest of them! You think you’re different, but you’re not, because you’re just, you’re just really scared! You’re really scared to give someone new a go, because you think, you know, they might just be better than you are! Well, you’re just pathetic, and you’re gutless. You’re a gutless wonder! Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias!”
High Art
Ally Sheedy | Radha Mitchell
courtesy of youtube.com
“I have a love issue and a drug problem. Or maybe I have a love problem and a drug issue. I don’t know.”
Enlightened
Laura Dern
courtesy of huffingtonpost.com
“I’m just too tired to live”
Okay, so now that I’ve shared some of my favorite films with amazathon female performances you have to tell me yours!
No but really, please tell me your favorites. I need to know for real. We need to share the things that break open our hearts…cause we need to keep opening and opening..and then remembering to open and open once again…and passing it on..
Tamar
6/8 Music Blog 