American film-making seems to have a problem supporting female film-makers. The difference is stark when compared to, say, France where there are a more films written and directed by females both new and legendary being released. It was an issue flagged up when Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to take the Best Director Oscar for The Hurt Locker.
Since Bigelow’s landmark win, the paucity of American women directing seems downright insane given the strength of films released this year like Winter’s Bone, Please Give and The Kids are All Right.
Taking place over the course of a summer, this story focuses on the relationship between two middle-aged lesbians, Jules (Julianne Moore) and Nic (Annette Bening) and their two teenage kids, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson). Joni has just turned eighteen and is old enough to find out who their sperm donor dad is. Prompted by her fifteen year old brother, she contacts Paul (Mark Ruffalo). Soon he is a part of their family which causes chaos as they explore their own identities and roles within the family.
This is an easy film to recommend because Director Lisa Cholodenko has crafted a film with a simple story that allows the characters to blossom and the dialogue, which is both heart-felt and comedic, to impress.
- Mothers’ Dearest
Genkinahito 