This
film gets my vote...
This
is a great movie, that premiered at the 2004
Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim,
about the women's suffrage movement of the early
1900's. It is a timely film with parallels to
many issues before us today. That this is an
election year makes the film all the more
relevant.
What is really unique about this film is the
combination of 'period piece' and 'modern
cinematic style'. The women may be wearing
corsets and elaborate hats, but the film feels
entirely modern with a brilliant soundtrack,
that often sounds like something you'd hear at a
new age Ibizan night club, and camera movement
that rivals Paul Thomas Anderson's kinetic
energy. Director Katja von Garnier is a bright
new star behind the camera and will get more
opportunities very soon.
Frances O'Connor, Hilary Swank and Julia Ormond
all deliver really juicy performances. Anjelica
Huston, Molly Parker and Laura Fraser also add
some spice to the aesthetically gorgeous cast...
one might argue that these women are probably a
lot more glamorous than their real life
counterparts. But I'm not complaining. However,
O'Connor is the standout here. She is criminally
underused in Hollywood and deserves more
attention than she gets.
The story is tremendously interesting and
educational. I was completely unaware how much
these women went through to get the vote. Most
people associate Susan B. Anthony with the
movement... but Alice Paul and Lucy Burns had
more impact. It is quite shocking to see what
they had to endure.
This film is an HBO production and can be seen
on the network in 2004. I definitely recommend
seeking this film out. It is a gorgeous marriage
of 21st Century style and 1920's elegance. 'Iron
Jawed Angels' is a unique film with a superb
soundtrack and fantastic acting. It is an all
around triumph.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
In
preparation for this Tuesday's privilege of
voting, I found myself finally sitting down to
watch "Iron Jawed Angels," an HBO production
about the women's suffrage movement and the
lengths women had to go to in order to earn the
legal right to vote.
The film is unique in its production style yet
blessed with a cast that includes Hilary Swank,
Anjelica Huston, Julia Ormond, Frances O'Connor
and others who work together and create a
marvelous film chemistry.
The film is quite historical with many
contemporary touches added. It has a nice
balance to it.
In a time of such great national importance, it
is powerful to be reminded of how hard so many
have worked to create a society where we can
vote and have an input into our system. It is
also a call to action this November 2nd...we
simply must exercise our right to vote.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
