Greta Gerwig Through the Years
Revisiting Gerwig’s directing filmography through its themes, messages and my opinions for each.
Greta has already built up a diverse filmography, and her future looks bright. Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie are an impressive triple as a filmmaker, even more so to start off your directorial career.
Barbie solidifies her standing as one of the top filmmakers in Hollywood today. Her films consistently explore themes related to relationships, identity, and the complexities of growing up and self-discovery. All three of her pictures are relatable, thought-provoking and Oscar nominated. Her latest work suggests a contemporary and feminist perspective on the iconic doll character.
Lady Bird — A24 (2017)
Premise : Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird’s father (Tracy Letts) loses his job. Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, Lady Bird is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home.
Quick review : Greta’s feature debut is a coming-of-age story with touches of comedy and drama. Saoirse Ronan is wonderful as a high school girl trying to balance her life with societal pressures. Laurie Metcalf plays her mother, a strong-willed woman who does everything she can to provide for her family. Exhibiting her love through her actions, not her words. Their scenes together are fierce!
Rating : 4.25/5.
Little Women — Sony Pictures (2019)
Premise : Writer-director Greta Gerwig has crafted a Little Women that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo March (Saoirse Ronan), reflects back and forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s take, the beloved story of the March sisters — four young women each determined to live life on her own terms — is both timeless and timely.
Quick review : Greta dispels any notion of a sophomore slump with her writing and direction for the remake of a timeless tale, Little Women. Her screenplay is particularly noteworthy, as Gerwig serves this story with the poetic justice it demands. She is establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s leading auteur filmmakers. Alexandre Desplat’s score accompanies each character’s voyage in a joyous manner. Needless to say, the acting is exquisite, with Ronan and Pugh excelling. The SAG ensemble snub is heinous!
Rating : 4.5/5.
Barbie — Warner Bros (2023)
Premise : After being expelled from Barbieland for being a less-than-perfect doll, Barbie (Margot Robbie) sets off to the real world to find true happiness
Quick review : Barbie is crafted in a captivating manner, as only Greta could do. Her screenplay, written with Noah Baumbach, delivers a message that has already both championed and angered social media communities. Robbie and Gosling are an excellent Barbie and Ken duo. Not all the jokes worked for me, but as we move away from the Barbieland façade, I enjoyed the realization of the film. With Nolan and Gerwig having great success commercially, I’m glad the general public can discover some worthy films and top-tier filmmakers!
Rating : 3.75/5.
Shift towards what’s next?
Gerwig seems to have turned to behind-the-camera assignments as her priority. She has signed on to write and direct at least two Chronicles of Narnia films for Netflix. After her 2023 box office success, one can only wonder if a move to streaming is still the right next step for her.
Judging by the response to her first three motion pictures, Lady Bird — Little Women — Barbie, it’s us, the audience, who are the real winners. The reception to each of her films has been nothing but positive, with each garnering nominations for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
