Director: Gillian Armstrong
Starring: Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Susan Sarandon. Ever since her rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Sarandon has created memorable movies. Whether it is dedicated lawyers, female agents or powerful mothers, Sarandon has often portrayed strong characters. Arguably, Sarandon’s strength as an actress has always been her strong screen presence. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had the aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through her capability to portray characters that are compelling, Sarandon has built a legacy that’s lasting. Even when she is not the central focus of a movie, Sarandon has often left a strong impression. An actress with strong commitment, Sarandon has become an icon in entertainment. Throughout her lasting career, Sarandon has made many memorable movies which are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a big fan of Sarandon and admire all the movies she has made in her career. However, “Little Women” is my favourite. Released in 1994, Gilliam Armstrong’s movie offered an engaging adaptation of a beloved book about strong women. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest book adaptations ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Susan Sarandon, who plays a mother struggling to care for daughters facing great tension. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a timeless literary classic is universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about sibling rivalry which would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing masterpiece about strong women, there are many strong reasons why “Little Women” is a movie worth seeing.
Set in the American Civil War, “Little Women” tells the story of four sisters which develop a powerful bond with affection. Susan Sarandon portrays Marmee March, a strong woman that has always been dedicated to raising children. Marmee has always had huge dreams for her daughters whom she loves dearly. However, Marmee’s dreams become shattered when her daughters are separated by grim disaster. Jo (Winona Ryder) and Amy (Kirsten Dunst) are torn apart by a sibling rivalry that threatens to destroy their family. As all the odds become stacked against her favour, Marmee questions whether it’s possible for her to be a successful mother. Faced with a dilemma, Marmee begins to wonder whether it’s possible for her to raise daughters that face trauma. Questioning if she can overcome life tension, Marmee struggles to raise little women.
Gillian Armstrong is fascinated with the stories of women. A fantastic female filmmaker, Gillian has often made compelling films about women in danger. With “Little Women”, however, Gillian created her first literary adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about women but she succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Gillian captures a woman’s journey to embarking on a journey to discover identity in a family. Emulating Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Gillian uses montages to capture the bonds between a pair of sisters in a close-knit family. For instance, montages elevate the ballroom dance scene. During this unforgettable scene, Jo and her sisters form a strong bond together spending time at a ballroom party. Through montages, Gillian captures hardships women in a broken household go through. Montages are complex techniques to use in movies. As Kevin Lima’s “Enchanted” suggested, montages enhance movies about princesses that are enchanted. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using captivating visuals, Armstrong captures the tensions that sisters in broken families are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Little Women” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Gillian effectively uses costumes to capture the transformation of women. Throughout the movie, Jo March’s costumes demonstrate her transformations into a strong woman. For instance, costumes elevate the hair cut scene. During this heartfelt scene, Jo cuts off her hair to save money for her poor family. Using strong costumes, Gillian honours a book about powerful women which are inspiring. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. Thomas Newman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a heartwarming atmosphere capturing a heavy burden which women bear. Using captivating production, Gillian honours a legendary book about strong women.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Little Women” is a book adaptation that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice-over narration to capture the lives of strong women that face tension. Throughout the movie, Jo expresses opinions about her sister through insightful narration. For instance, narration enhances the opening scene. During this unforgettable scene, Jo expressed her views about sisters through meaningful narration. Through bold narration, Gillian creates strong women which audiences can easily relate to. Narration is a complex technique to use in movies. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones” demonstrated, narration elevates movies about the dangers of child abduction. Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence” claimed that narration elevates period films about doomed love. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a captivating screenplay, Gillian captures sisters facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Susan Sarandon delivers one of her greatest performances as Marmee March. Sarandon first achieved appreciation for playing strong women in crime dramas. With “Little Women”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t simple to play an iconic female character in literature but Sarandon succeeds. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most iconic role. Sarandon has always excelled at playing bold women under stress, and “Little Women” showcased her greatest strengths as an actress. With spellbinding expressions, she captures the angst, desperation and wisdom of a woman struggling to raise children. It’s an exceptional performance from one of the best actresses today.
Winona Ryder is remarkable as a woman that pursues dreams of becoming a famous writer. Ryder is known for portraying dark heroines in classic Tim Burton films. With “Little Women”, however, she took on her most compassionate role. As Jo March, Ryder uses body language to create a woman that’s compelling. Whether she is throwing a temper tantrum when Amy burns her diary or rejecting Laurie’s proposal that is heartbreaking, Ryder uses her powerful body language to create a character which is compelling. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actresses that is working today.
The supporting cast is sensational and worthy of praise. Christian Bale is brilliant, bringing a sense of authority to a heartbroken lover that is devoted to succeed rather than fail. Claire Danes is captivating, capturing the despair of a woman that battles terminal illness leading her family to face fear. Lastly, Trini Alvarado merits appreciation. As a lovesick woman, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Little Women” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing woman which endure tension. Unlike most literature adaptations, the film tackles strong themes that ebeyrone will relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It tackles relatable theme such as identity, social class and marriage which would resonate amongst everyone. The film delivers a moving message about sibling rivalry that everyone will be able to relate to. Therefore, “Little Woman” is one of those rare literature adaptations that everyone will adore.
Fans of Susan Sarandon will definitely appreciate “Little Women” and so will movie-goers seeking heartwarming entertainment. A captivating adaptation of a beloved book about women, it honours an actress that is worthy of celebration.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about strong women searching for greatest life direction with determination, it’s a riveting reminder about an actress with strong dedication towards her craft that has manufactured movies throughout her career which are definitely without a single doubt worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 