Category Archives: Film

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A few more thoughts on Barbie, the movie

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I hope to watch Barbie for a second time, but have not managed to yet, however I have picked up a few thoughts from others since I saw it last.

Nobody I’ve spoken to described the film as depressing (and it is full of a barmy joy and courage) but some found it very emotional, and, if I’ve understood our discussions correctly, I think that was because of the honesty in the way the film showed the ‘perfection’ expected of women – and that some women expect of themselves – up against the ordinariness and struggle of their everyday realities.

Here are some comments from the females in my opinions sample (not large). The first comment is from a longer one posted on an earlier blog, the minimalist two that follow are the summaries of some great discussions.

“It was the first movie I’d seen since February 2020! While it’s pitched as a comedy and there are certainly some very funny moments, I thought it was a far more serious movie than what I had been led to believe. So many issues raised that are still issues for women.”

“Very emotional.”

“So good.”

The following comments are from two men who watched. I haven’t yet managed much conversation with them about it beyond: “Yeah, good.” “Powerful Kenergy.”

And finally here are a few things I’ve found out about the director.

Her full name is Greta Celeste Gerwig. She was born in 1983 in Sacramento, California where she went to an all-girls Catholic, secondary school. She has been an actress herself, before moving into writing and directing. In 2017 she wrote and directed the film Ladybird, and in 2019 Little Women. She co-wrote Barbie with her husband Noah Baumbach who is an American film director. She had her second child (her first child is now four) earlier this year, shortly before the release of Barbie.

Barbie herself is 65.

Included in this paragraph are links to two interviews with Greta Gerwig that I found interesting. The first is an Associated Press article, and the second a Huff Post article, which includes a short video.

If you have the time, and would like to add any more thoughts on the film, please do put them in the comments. I usually find them within 24 hours.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023

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I saw this film: Women Talking directed by Sarah Polley

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Yesterday I saw Women Talking, and it absorbed me in a way no other film has. I loved it, and could watch it again and again.

Women Talking is based on the 2018 book by Miriam Toews. I have not read it, but research tells me that her novel is a response to the sedation and rapes that took place in Bolivia, in a remote Mennonite colony. The day-to-day life of the women and children in this community would have shared similarities with the author’s own conservative Mennonite up-bringing in Canada.

The rapists in Bolivia used a veterinary anaesthetic to sedate their victims. It was years before the abuse was exposed, and finally acknowledged as not being satanic or imagined by the women and girls. The case went to trial in 2011.

If the idea of a film about rape is putting you off, let me tell you that no act of sexual violence is shown. Rather this is a film about consequences, about women, about collaboration and forgiveness. The camera’s focus is on these profoundly isolated and educationally deprived females, who have to decide for themselves what to do, their first act being to find the language to negotiate their collective response.

Polley, with the most extraordinary care and cast, allows the women to feel for the words. Their meetings are set in a hayloft where they address each other across generations and different degrees of harm. The minutes are taken by a gentle male school teacher, who witnesses their discussions – the bitter arguments, the respect, the listening, the anger, the pain and their faith.

Please don’t let any possible reservations you may have stop you from going to watch this film. It is encouraging, despite the trauma at its core.

Here’s a link to an interview with the director and cast.

Copyright Georgie Knaggs & The Phraser 2023

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Film Review: The White Tiger (Netflix)

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Image from the film The White Tiger

I still feel dazed after watching The White Tiger a few nights ago, and nothing should have surprised me. I knew for a start that it wasn’t about tigers – I’d read the book.

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