Movie Moms Who Still Inspire Us
In honor of Mother’s Day, this month we will be taking a look at inspiring women on screen or behind the scenes breaking new ground in filmmaking. First up, a look at some of my favorite moms or mother figures on screen.
The Unexpectant Mom To Be.
You don’t have to be a biological mother to be a great one. Some of my favorite films feature strong, independent women who take on the unexpected role of a surrogate mother figure to a person in need of help.
Auntie Mame, played by Rosalind Russell is my favorite. The moment the cocktail slugging flapper meets her soon to be adopted nephew, she knows that she has met the true “little love” of her life. Mame’s the kind of woman to aspire to. Classy. Worldly. Hard working, willing to do whatever it takes to provide for her adopted family and always having a good time. From her wild, late night parties to her open-minded sense of child rearing, this lady is the epitome of “The Cool Aunt” everyone wants and needs in their life. Plus, she proves that even the busiest woman can land the grown, dashing gentleman of her dreams just by being herself.
Another favorite is the hilarious 80’s film, Baby Boom starring Diane Keaton as a Madison Avenue yuppie genius who unexpectedly adopts her cousin’s two-year-old little girl. After her sexist and unsympathetic boss fires her for trying to balance motherhood with her career, she moves to Vermont. With her new home falling apart and her bank account almost empty, Keaton uses her business savvy to start a successful Gerber like baby food company and stick it to her old boss. Not bad, right?
Cher, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench and Lily Tomlin headline the World War 2 drama, Tea With Mussolini. A bit of an unexpected choice? No way! Tea With Mussolini is the heartwarming coming of age story about a young Italian boy named Luca. The film features an all-star cast as a group of international women who vacation at the same Italian villa before and during the war. Clients of Luca’s deceased mother, a local dressmaker, the women not only band together during tough times but also raise Luca together as a surrogate son.
Don’t forget to check out the classic ugly duckling film, Now Voyager starring Bette Davis. Davis stars as an insecure, bullied New England woman who is taken under the wing by a famous psychiatrist (Claude Raines). After therapy and a fabulous makeover, Davis goes on a cruise where she meets a dashing foreigner who has a daughter suffering from the same condition that she once had. Davis befriends the young girl and teaches her how to embrace her inner beauty.
Looking for something that’s not a romantic comedy or tearjerker? Then skip over to the science fiction genre for some quality time with two of the biggest, badass mamas around. Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) and Linda Hamilton (The Terminator Series) go to great lengths to make sure no one hurts their children. Both film series feature plenty of scenes of our favorite action hero, tank top wearing moms kicking alien or android butt.
The Smarts Have It.
Susan Sarandon — Little Women
Everyone always focuses so much on the March daughters that they seem to forget the important, positive influence of their mother, Marmie. She’s honest, fair and dedicated to helping her daughters become smart, kind and happy women. She doesn’t nag her girls or complain about them- she accepts who they are and what their individual goals / ideas of happiness are. Marmie is not only grounded, but she knows how to “keep it real” when it comes to what’s important.
Angelica Huston — The Royal Tennanbaums
She not only has a full time career (actually, she established several) but she raised three prodigies all on her own. In addition to nurturing and encouraging her children’s talents, she is patient and graceful under stressful situations.
Miss Honey — Matilda
It’s important not to overlook the sweet and soft-spoken schoolteacher played by Embeth Davidtz. Despite her own horrific upbringing by the nefarious Miss. Trunchbull, Miss Honey remains the hopeful and encouraging mother figure to a classroom of children. Whether she’s encouraging Matilda’s gifts or looking out for her pupils, Miss Honey one of Roald Dahl’s most memorable characters.
Stand Up Moms
Ready for any challenge, they stand up for their children and what’s right — even if it means occasionally confronting their children. Some of our favorite tough loving and hilarious mamas have been played by Oscar Winning actresses Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Juliet Binoche (Chocolat), Sally Field (Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump) and Olympia Dukakis (Moonstruck).
Do you have a favorite movie mom? Don’t be shy. Tweet @galaboutown or email galabouttown@yahoo.com to let us know who you would pick. To view this original post and check out the other features on site click here.
