Inequality in society has a very powerful effect on the media as there are a number of different TV programmes that relate to the life of women only. Take, for example, “Sex and the City.” This programme is based around four successful young women, all of whom are having wonderful independent lives with a great careers and fantastic lives, showing women that they can do the same. Another example of a TV Programme is “Murder, she wrote.” This programme is based around a woman detective. It is unique as the detective is a woman and she is successful in her line of work, most people would be stereotypical and think that only men can do the detective work. Another example of women in the media, is that of an article on testosterone, which appeared in the Daily Mail. A journalist explains how women were injecting themselves with this dangerous substance in order to boost their confidence and brain-power. Even though testosterone was proven to increase the power of the brain it also had very dangerous side affects that were common to be seen on men. For example, baldness, aggression and on some occasions facial hair. This just shows the audience that women are willing to do outrageous things, so that they can be equal and win the battle of the sexes. This relates to “Thelma and Louise” as in the film there are a number of battles of the sexes, showing how women have to fight in a patriarchal society and how unequally and unjustifiably they are treated.
The issues mentioned above shape the film, as throughout the film the ongoing battle of the sexes is shown. Examples of this are when Thelma and Louise are facing the Truck Driver, this battle brings humour, drama and attention to the film as they are shooting the truck and at the same time are enjoying themselves, the audience sees this by their laughter. The battle between Thelma and her husband Darryl brings a sense of danger as the audience can see how Thelma is being treated unfairly and poorly by her husband. On the other hand the audience can also feel the adventure as they argue continuously, making the audience wonder why Thelma ever married an insensitive man like him and how has she been putting up with him for so long.
Another sexist battle is between Harlan and Thelma as this brings tension, drama and also empathy to the film. This is because the scene when Harlan intended to rape Thelma causes the audience to visualize the unpleasant scenes, making the audience create the feeling of awkwardness. The audience also feels empathy for Thelma as she is beaten and has just escaped being raped when she was only setting out to have some fun. In addition, the battle between JD and Thelma is interesting as before the audience sees JD’s character as the humourous one but then he steals a large amount of money, leaving Thelma and Louise in a deeper situation than they were already in. The audience also feel empathy as it is upsetting but on the other hand feel like Thelma got exactly what she deserved because she had only been with JD for the night and she carelessly left him in the room alone. The major battle in the film is between the police and Thelma and Louise. The police are mainly dominated by male officers; the audience then creates the idea of Thelma and Louise being trapped by the male population which brings injustice and inequality to the film.
The film was also successful as it was nominated for and won a number of prestigious awards. “Thelma and Louise” was nominated in 1992 for the Oscars, also for best screenplay, best Actress for both Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, best cinematography, best Director and also best film editing. The film won best screenplay. Also “Thelma and Louise,” won awards in the Bafta’s for best Actress for both Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, best cinematography and best Director. Winning and being nominated for these awards adds to the success of the film as they would not have got these magnificent opportunities if the film was not entertaining and did not appeal to the public.
The film is successful in other ways as it is clever, exciting, and funny. Another factor that is unique is that it is shot in the middle of the breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest. The film also portrays the strong relationship of friendship and its importance in difficult times. Women may find it easier to connect with Thelma and Louise as it is much easier to connect with the same sex, that is the reason why maybe some men did not appreciate the storyline of the film as they truly did not understand it. Even after Louise murdered Harlan, they both stuck strongly with each other right to the end of the film. The true message of the film is that of friendship and how we all need to stick together no matter what life brings in our way.
The script writer Callie Khouri said this about writing “Thelma and Louise,”
“I wanted to write something that had never been on the screen before.” By this statement, I do not think she was very successful in her aim because “Thelma and Louise” was considered to be a copy of the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” making the storyline very similar with just a few minor adjustments and character changes, but basically having the same impact and same plot. Callie Khouri was successful in the fact that she made a good film that did well at the box office and won a number of awards.