Plot: What’s it about?
As much as I hear it, it still kind of gets to me…this movie is really not a “chick flick”. Sure the two leads are both women, but it’s more of a journey of self-discovery than something like “Now and Then” (now that’s a chick flick). Anyway, it’s hard to say why I like this movie. Maybe it’s because we analyzed it nearly frame by frame in several of my film classes in college…or maybe not. Maybe it’s something that a lot of movies aren’t these days—a good movie!
Well, I’m starting to review like Zork. Anyway, here’s the plot…Two women in a small Arkansas town decide to go off for a weekend to “get away from it all”. Thelma (Geena Davis) is a housewife who almost lives in “fear” of her husband (Christopher McDonald), although he’s harmless as a fly. She’s indecisive and married young, also it seems that she’s never really done anything she ever wanted to do. Then there’s Louise (Susan Sarandon), she’s a waitress at a local diner, older and more re-assured. Obviously she planned the getaway, of which Louise has yet to ask “permission” to go on.
The two eventually get out of town, but Thelma has packed a gun for some odd reason. After taking a “pit stop” at a bar somewhere along the way, Thelma is nearly raped in the parking lot. Louise shoots and kills the man and the two make a getaway from the scene of the crime.
Enter Harvey Keitel (Hal Slocumb) who is the local law and is obsessed about getting the two girls back in one piece.
Bad goes to worse for the two women, but they find themselves along the way. Making one of his first appearances is a then unknown, Brad Pitt who plays hitchiker “J.D”. The film spirals into an all out manhunt (womanhunt?) and the women are left with a decision…what to do? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out. Trust me, you’ll find yourself caught up in the fun and want to make this one to own.
Video: How does it look?
This came out at exactly the same time as the SE Laserdisc (which I bought at that time). The picture is a new transfer done off the then “new” laserdisc copy and not 16:9 enhanced. Colors and details are very bright and sharp, but it’s still lacking the benefit of anamorphic enhancement. Especially noteable in the ending scenes in the desert. Overall, though, not bad.
Audio: How does it sound?
The soundtrack was remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1. Although this is mainly a movie for dialogue, there are some pretty good sound effects. Helicopters, trucks blowing up (yes, that’s right) and tires squealing throughout. Dialogue was sharp and clean and the sound effects make this all the more enjoyable.
Supplements: What are the extras?
For any true fans of any movie, commentary is great. I love this movie and the commentary is very interesting. There is also a trailer and an alternate ending, both with and without commentary. A title done right. Now about the 16:9 enhacement…
