Geena is a throwback to a gold age of film

There are certain people in life who are sprinkled with stardust. Geena Davis, the American film actress, is a shining beacon of light who has enchanted an army of cinema fans worldwide.

During the 80s and 90s I often visited the cinema. Davis starred in one of the finest films I have ever seen; The Accidental Tourist, which came out in 1988. Playing the part of an eccentric dog trainer Geena won an Oscar for a quite subliminal performance.

It’s hard to imagine anyone else putting on such a powerful and quirky display of acting prowess. Her portrayal of Muriel Pritchett has to be viewed as her ‘raison d’etre’ moment. If memory serves me well I went to see this picture during a challenging time at work, I left the cinema feeling elated by film making of the highest order, work issues consigned to the margins for a while.

Having seen all of Geena’s movies over the years it would be negligent of me to omit her performance in the truly epic film; Thelma and Louise. This picture came out over 30

years ago and I well remember how much I looked forward to going to see it. Playing the part of Thelma with Susan Sarandon taking on the role of Louise, this movie was a tour de force in regard to empowering women.

Directed by the great Ridley Scott, revered for his sci-fi masterpieces, Blade Runner and Alien, the British director took on a whole new genre with this wonderful road movie. When I saw the film all those years ago I recall everybody in the audience stood up and applauded at its conclusion.

Thelma and Louise and The Accidental Tourist are classic examples which prove a robust and compelling narrative and powerful performances by the actors are the drivers which decide whether a movie is successful or not.

Prior to her acting career Davis was a lingerie model. Being tall and very attractive Hollywood beckoned at a young age for this delightful woman.

Lamentably, Geena has had to endure numerous sexual harassment incidents during her career. Lecherous directors and some odious actors have been a bane on Geena’s journey in film. No woman should have to deal with such ugliness. Her ongoing campaign fighting for women’s rights is to be applauded.

Certain people in life have an aura about them which is hard to define.

Geena Davis was a throwback to the golden age of film. Richard Carl Nielsen, Loughborough