George Cukor, considered the best director of actresses in the history of cinema, said in a interview in 1967 that directing women was a challenge to the imagination. Famous for directing Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Katharine Hepburn or Judy Garland, he affirmed that his performances came from a deep knowledge of the female universe, an element that enriched the films with great women in which the filmmaker worked.
Today, the roles that tell the stories of women are essential in Hollywood. Enough to occupy a good part of the annual film offer. Something that also happens in the catalogs of the most popular platforms. The stories of heroines, scientists and villains are already the center of interest of a whole new generation.
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Here are five movies about great women that you can watch on Star+ right now. From singers who made history or leaders who led revolutions, to a particular anti-heroine. The selection is a tour of several of the best films with female leads in the history of cinema. Also, a sensitive approach to the seventh art.
The Devil Wears Prada
Lauren Weisberger thought she had the opportunity of a lifetime when she found a job as a personal assistant to the famous Anna Wintour. However, she soon realized that the demands and the pace of work of the famous fashion editor were almost impossible to keep up with.
Even more so when the personality of the well-known figure became the scene of conflicts and pressure. After her experience, the writer recounted everything she lived through —and the consequences it had on her future career as a journalist— in the book The Devil Wears Prada. Released in 2003, it caused quite a stir, particularly for showing an unfavorable and little-known side of the catwalk world.
Three years later, its adaptation, directed by David Frankel, would take the analysis of power, the harmful work environment and personal growth to a new level. Like the source book, this movie about great women centers on a troubled work relationship. But, beyond his criticism of a despotic figure, it is also a journey about ambition, aspirations, and the search for balance.
Little by little, what begins to be the dream come true of Andrea (Anne Hathaway) ends up becoming a nightmare. Particularly, when Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep) begins to show the edges of an excessive demand. Despite its satirical tone, this film with powerful female leads is a successful inquiry into the different ways of understanding leadership. An element that Aline Brosh McKenna’s script relates with touches of humor and a hard and realistic perception of success.
Mockingjay, the film saga about a woman who starts a historical revolution
The adaptation of the last part of the trilogy The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is one of the great science fiction movies of today. Set in a dystopian world, the narrative, with a female protagonist, delves into a violent society divided into social classes under tight central control. Its film version takes the stage to a new and visually stunning level, especially in its last two installments.
Just like in the book Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) begins as a victim of the all-powerful Capitol. However, she will become a symbol of rebellion against a corrupt power hierarchy. Which will lead her to lead the districts in a total war. Little by little, the willpower of Katniss, her integrity and loyalty to her ideals will make her the visible head of a total change. However, the film about this great woman is not limited to showing the battles and tensions of a violent transition. It also explores the emotional and political consequences of war and the manipulation of the media.
For its closure, the saga finds its best moments by delving into Katniss, faced not only with a powerful enemy, but also with her own contradictions. Gradually, the heroine will find a way to stand by her decision to overthrow the tyrant, despite the pain and suffering. The feature film manages to elegantly and soberly conclude a painful story that exceeds the idea of entertainment.
Alien: Resurrection
If we talk about movies about great women, we cannot leave out the saga based on the original film by Ridley Scott. Despite her long journey in the cinema, one element remains unchanged: Lieutenant Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. A formidable figure that gives weight and value to the franchise.
Especially, to the irregular delivery Alien: Resurrection, released in 1997 and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. This time, the well-known story of the ruthless and unstoppable alien creature is mixed with a more complex plot. The plot, which takes place 200 years after the events of alien 3narrates how Ripley she was resurrected by genetic engineering. Converted into a hybrid between the DNA of the classic alien and a human, the result is an unknown version of the character. The female protagonist obtained all the attributes of the deadly race without altering her appearance.
Often criticized for its inconsistent script and questionable special effects, this is an engaging film about a powerful woman unable to find her place in the world. Without being fully a human being or a xenomorph, Ripley You are on dangerous ground and a desperate situation. One that will lead her to face her greatest fear and allow her to finally return to Earth. A twist that demonstrates the strength of Sigourney Weaver’s role and her way of understanding one of the most iconic women in cinema.
Judythe story of a great artist devoured by fame
Based on the play End of the Rainbow, by Peter Quilter, this film looks at the last year of the life of a great woman and artist, the beloved actress and singer Judy Garland. Which allows director Rupert Goold to explore the tragedy of a life from the pressure of fame, making clear the high price of celebrity.
The director follows his female lead as she performs a series of concerts in London in 1968. At the time, Garland was struggling with health and financial problems while dealing with possible failure on stage. The script reflects on the artist’s turbulent past and her existential anguish, which would lead to her death. Played by Renée Zellweger, the figure becomes the embodiment of suffering, loneliness and the secrets of a brilliant woman.
This fantastic film about a great woman also explores Judy’s relationship with her children and ex-husband and her struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. For its poignant finale, the film leaves the bittersweet feeling that celebrity and talent can be both virtues and condemnations. A complicated point of view that the story skilfully shows through the decline of the star.
The favouritea great movie about great women
queen anne (Olivia Colman) is capricious and cruel. In addition, she has become emotionally dependent on her close and loving friend. Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz). This is the precarious balance in which the British court finds itself, in which each member knows that anything could break it.
Something that happens when the new maid abigail masham (Emma Stone) intervenes in the singular power struggle for the queen’s favor. Between sexual tension and emotional manipulation, Ana’s attention will be the trigger for an extraordinary war in the midst of an increasingly unstable political scenario.
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Director Yorgos Lanthimos turns the historical context of this film about great women into a singular journey between strange characters and disturbing situations. He tackles themes of ambition, betrayal, loyalty and fear in a satirical take on life at the 18th century royal court. Filled with unforgettable female figures, the feature film challenges the conventions of the historical genre.