5 Questions With: Film Critic, Carrie Rickey
5 Questions With is a recurring feature where we sit down with a special guest to get their unique perspective. In this installment we talk with film critic Carrie Rickey, whose work has appeared in The Philadelphia Inquire and The New York Times among other publications, ahead of her discussion for Thelma & Louise (Presented as part of both of our Film 101 and New Frontiers series — Playing at the Ambler Theater Thursday, May 2nd at 7:30pm).
Why did you choose Thelma & Louise to present on?
Thelma & Louise is a very interesting example of what happens when a film written by a female screenwriter is directed by a male filmmaker. First time I saw it, I sensed the tension between the two perspectives and I think that tension makes the film more fascinating.
You mention the tension between a female screenwriter and a male filmmaker. What emphasis do you feel we should place of the role of women in the film industry?
When 92 out of every 100 films Americans see is directed by a male filmmaker, the male perspective is seen as universal. It’s important to watch films written and/or directed by women to understand that half the population thinks that the world doesn’t revolve around male characters and that women can be more than wife, mother, secretary or mistress.
Thelma & Louise is famous for being a film focused on female characters operating in the traditionally male-centered road trip genre. How does this tension play out? Do you think this of this film as feminist?
When I think road movie, Five Easy Pieces and Easy Rider and Scarecrow are the films that come to mind. With the exception of Agnes Varda’s Vagabond and a Disney comedy called Outrageous Fortune, I can think of very few films which feature a woman or women on the road. Do I think it’s feminist? I certainly did in 1991. I’m less certain in 2019. But I do believe it’s a film that pivots on the idea that its male characters should empathize with the plight of its female leads. And the only two men who seem to are Harvey Keitel (Hal) and Michael Madsen (Jimmy).
What initially drew you to the profession of film critic?
My mother was an immigrant to the US; my father was the son of immigrants. Both of them were drawn to the movies in order to learn to be American. My becoming a movie critic in part was because I wanted to interpret America for them and for myself.
What is interpretation of Thelma and Louise’s decision to “keep going” at the end of the film?
For me, their conclusion is empowering. They want to control their destinies, not leave it to male cops and judges who might see what they did as aberrant.
Thelma & Louise is presented as part of our Film 101 and New Frontiers series, and plays at the Ambler Theater on Thursday, March 14th at 7:30pm. For more information on our upcoming New Frontiers screenings, view our lineup here .
