By Erika Morales, Contributing Writer
Many films are directed by women or star female characters. Such films hold a cultural influence on society.
“The Silence of the Lambs” is a well-known psychological horror film enjoyed by all. It stars Jodie Foster, who plays the main lead, Clarice Starling. “The Silence of the Lambs” follows Starling, who receives the help of a cannibal killer in order to catch another serial killer who skins his victims.
In the film, Starling’s character is identified as the main character through camera angles. The slight shift of her eyes during a close-up is a subconscious way to point out that Starling holds the power in the movie. The male gaze stares straight out towards the audience, which allows them to feel the discomfort Starling is feeling. The film allows for an outlook into the world of women.
“The Silence of the Lambs” is available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV ($3.99), and YouTube ($3.99).
“The Piano,” a gothic romance, is directed by Jane Campion. Campion is most notable for directing films that focus on women who are outsiders in society. “The Piano” is no exception.
“The Piano” follows Ada McGrath, played by Holly Hunter, who is sold off into marriage and goes off to live in New Zealand with her daughter and her piano. The new environment and society unravel life-altering conflicts that McGrath must face.
The film centers on the female narrative. It is a tale of female desire and oppression that resonates deeply with viewers. Campion won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “The Piano.”
“The Piano” is available on Vudu ($2.99), Apple TV ($3.99), and iTunes ($3.99).
“Frida” is a film that follows the well-known female Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. The film explores Kahlo’s artistic, political, and sexual passion in the early to mid-1900s.
“Frida” was directed by Julie Taymor. Taymor brings to life the imagination of the artist. “Frida” is available on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube ($2.99), and Apple TV ($3.99).
“Hidden Figures” follow the lives of three African American women mathematicians who play a vital role in the NASA space race. These women are Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.
“Hidden Figures” features strong, empowering women who not only face discrimination for their race, but also for their sex.
“Hidden Figures” is available on Disney+, YouTube ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), and Amazon Prime Video ($3.99).
“Lady Bird” was written and directed by Greta Gerwig. “Lady Bird” is Gerwig’s solo directorial debut. She won awards for Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit Awards and from the Boston Society of Film Critics, as well as Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics.
“Lady Bird” stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson. McPherson is a senior attending a Catholic high school who wants to flee to the East Coast “where the culture is.” She is always at odds with her mother, Marion. The film follows the emotional world of McPherson.
The film explores the world of teenage girls, which resonates with the audience, and shows a confident woman. McPherson believes in herself and she sees herself as a heroine wanting better things for herself. Not only can the audience see McPherson’s confident side, they can also see her struggle. The film succeeds in portraying a real sense, rather than being overly dramatic.
“Lady Bird: is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video ($2.99), YouTube ($3.99), and Apple TV ($3.99).
“Little Women” was also directed by Greta Gerwig. “Little Women” follows the lives of the four March sisters—Jo, Amy, Meg, and Beth—who are played by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Paugh, Emma Watson, and Eliza Scanlen, respectively. Each sister tries to live her life on her own terms even in the face of poverty and a male-dominated world.
“Little Women” portrays the resilience of women in the face of conflict, and women who speak their minds and push the choices they are offered. “Little Woman” is an empowering film that portrays women’s power in a way that feels positive for the audience.
“Little Women” is available on Hulu, Starz, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV ($12.99).
