Review of Thelma & Louise (1991) by Scott S — 04 Nov 2009

Thelma & Louise (1991) -- [10.0] -- "You get what you settle for." It's a potent little theme that asks all of us to take stock of our lives. It probably helps that I saw "Thelma & Louise" at a time when, like the title characters, I was searching for escape and freedom, determined to become my own person and follow what I knew with all my heart was my calling in life.

But after many additional viewings, I know my personal connection to the film is just icing on the cake. If there's such a thing as a recipe for success, this is surely it. First and foremost, you have the combustible combination of a visionary director and a character-driven screenplay.

Callie Khouri's script, probably one of the finest ever written, gives itself completely to the characters -- something all screenwriters aspire to do, but can seldom achieve. It's a marvelous confection of comedy, drama, excitement, and inspiration.

The daring ending sparked a debate that raged throughout 1991, catching newspaper headlines and magazine covers, becoming the fodder of many a college essay (of which I wrote at least 2). "Thelma & Louise" is either adored or despised, but only a powerful film can elicit those passions.

Ridley Scott takes the material and gives it plenty of room to breathe within his meticulously designed frames (or 'the proscenium' as he calls it). He's aided by Adrian Biddle's vibrant cinematography and Hans Zimmer's evocative score.

The cast is phenomenal. Stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis bring their A-game to roles that call for remarkable transformation. Brad Pitt makes his splashy film debut as sedudctive hitchhiker and Christopher McDonald is hilarious as Thelma's unappreciative oaf of a husband.

Come Oscar time, "Thelma & Lousie" rightly earned nominations for best director, cinematography, and editing. Both Sarandon and Davis were nominated for best actress, and Callie Khouri won the Oscar for best original screenplay.