Thelma and Louise ‘wouldn’t be made today’
THE story of two women on the run was a hit with critics, at the box office and even at the Oscars.
But Thelma and Louise would never be made today because studio bosses are more closed-minded about women taking strong leading roles, according to the film’s star Susan Sarandon.
Miss Sarandon, 69, was appearing with her co-star Geena Davis, 60, when she claimed the feminist film would now not stand a chance. Speaking at a Kering Women In Motion Talk, she was asked if the 1991 film could be made today.
She said: ‘Maybe as an animation? I don’t think the studios have had some kind of epiphany about women in film. After Thelma and Louise, they predicted there would be so many films starring women that really made a lot of money. But it didn’t happen.’ She went on to say: ‘There are still many more male executives making these decisions.
‘Whereas women can see a woman or a man in a leading role, I don’t think it’s as easy for a guy to see a woman in a leading role. I think it’s a cultural thing, and that’s part of what slows it down – a lack of imagination on the part of men.’
Directed by Sir Ridley Scott, the film – which also launched the career of Brad Pitt – controversially ends with the characters driving their car off a cliff after being cornered by the police. Miss Sarandon explained: ‘There were a lot of people who were very offended by the movie.
‘Because women having those kind of options got people upset, suddenly we were accused of condoning suicide, which was ridiculous.’
The actress, who also said she would struggle to survive as a young star today, added: ‘I can’t say that when we made it we were making a feminist film. We were making a buddy film where we had power and choices – I certainly didn’t anticipate that it would be such an affront.’