Greta Gerwig's "Little Women"

 

I saw Little Women at the independent movie theatre in my town in early 2020. I caught the last showing, I think. My sister and I went to see it-- reunited in the movie theatre for the first time in years. We used to see a lot of movies together but now work, time, a toddler, and pandemic have put a stop to that. I didn't realize then how much I needed this movie or how comforting it would be seeing it again recently.

Let me start by saying I will always love the iconic 1994 version starring Winona Ryder (et. al). Her exuberance and stubbornness as Jo is what first really brought the story to life for me. I read the book several times in middle school (no idea how-- I started it again a few months ago and could barely make it through the first chapter--it's a bit more preachy than I remembered). The music alone can trigger tears not to mention any of the scenes involving the March sisters. What sets that film apart from previous adaptations (from what I understand, I have not seen them) is not just that it is in color, the cast is phenomenal, the sets and costumes picture perfect-- it's that it is directed by a woman-- Gillian Armstrong. It seems obvious now how much this book needs to be adapted by a female director but if I remember correctly from interviews I read, the studio wanted a male director and it was Winona Ryder who stepped up and pushed for Gillian Armstrong.

I understand the backlash Gerwig's adaptation faced. I think for many, this felt too far off course from the Little Women everyone knows and loves. But the irony is that even the 1994 version made changes to the novel in order to appeal to a more contemporary audience. Alcott's moralizing is toned down whereas it fairly drips off the page in the book. (I know I sound harsh and I do love Alcott's work). But what Gerwig constructed is not that extreme. Yes, the non-linear storytelling is confusing even for those in the audience familiar with the book. But what she does with this beloved story is worth understanding.

One of the first things that struck me as I watched this film for the first time was how women dominate the screen. The male characters come and go, usually entering the scene when needed by the women or to make their presence known to the women. Everything is filtered through the female gaze. We see each March sister in the present or near present contrasted with the formative moments of their childhood. We see the pressures of poverty, the uncertainty that come from a father serving in the war, the desire to develop identities in a time when women are bound by hierarchy all through their eyes. 

Perhaps one of my favorite scenes of all is one which humanizes Marmee. She has always seemed like the perfect literary mother, a mixture of guardian angel and guiding shepherd. When Jo (Saoirse Ronan) demands to know how Marmee (Laura Dern) can be good all the time and why she is never angry, Marmee replies "I am angry all the time." She is angry at injustice but also quite possibly at her own circumstances. Her anger (though quiet) is what gives her the energy to fight for others' wellbeing. To raise her daughters to be independent, kind, caring, and strong.

There is so much I could say about the joy this film brings to me but I would ramble on for days if I tried to explain it all. I will end with one more comment. I have never cared for Amy-- she is annoying but likable as Kirsten Dunst but once she grows up and marries Laurie, I lose all interest. Not the case with Florence Pugh's Amy. Her speech to Laurie in Paris about marriage being a business proposition is one of the greatest scenes in the entire film. She lays bear all of the harsh realities of her position to her childhood friend who has never had to worry about money or occupation. Naysayers may cry "that's not in the book!" and they would be right. But Meryl Streep suggested the speech to Gerwig and who are we to scoff at Dame Meryl?

Thank you for reading, I know it's been ages since I posted. We moved, unpacked, and started the school year teaching face to face. It's going okay but it's stressful. I'll post more on that later-- it's helpful to find support and new ideas for teaching in the time of Covid. In the meantime, watch this movie and feel your stress, anger, and fear dissipate for a few hours at least!

Photos found here and here.