Remember the LADIES

In today’s world, women have the pleasure in basking in more freedom and opportunities, but in spite of this, there are still many that forget the glory of simple women and what they are capable of when their husband hold powerful in the world. Yet, it appears that the film industry has noticed this and gripped this idea with both fists for it is now delivering films with strong and secure female characters. The film industry has managed to showcase the power and influence of women, especially the women that stand behind the curtains, encouraging their husbands through thick and thin.

 

Such films that demonstrate the silent strength of women include “Hyde Park on Hudson”, in which Eleanor Roosevelt stays by the side of her husband, former President Franklin D. Roosevelt as he begins a dangerous relationship with his cousin; the classic film, “Hitchcock”, showcasing the director’s spouse, Alma Reville, a professional film editor, who demonstrates her influence as she bravely advised the famous director about casting, scripts, and editing.  In fact, “Hitchcock” director Sacha Gervasi, stated:

"There were four hands that constituted the Hitchcock touch, and two of them were Alma's…. She played such an important role in his process, and, more importantly, the great master trusted her opinion. Hitchcock did not generally tell a writer, 'I really liked your script.' He'd say, 'Alma enjoyed the pages.'"

 

Another film that shows the true power of women and their undying loyalty and support to their successful husbands is in “Lincoln”, with Mary Todd, the quiet wife of the famous 16^th president. After the Lincoln’s son 11-year-old son died in 1862, it is implied that Mary chose to carry the grief and burden of the pain not only for herself, but also for her husband so that the famous president would not have to endure so much suffering.

Sally Field, the actress portraying Mary Todd, said of the brave woman: “Mary Todd felt everything so thoroughly, so deeply, and he [President Lincoln] didn't have to…Lincoln unburdened himself to her, told her his dreams and had terrible nightmares and depression. She would feel it for him…She experienced all the emotions that he would not allow himself to feel because he kept himself so contained."

 

I felt this article was very important because it finally gave women the credit they deserve after so many years and films. Often times in history, the role of women are forgotten because many people only tend to focus on the achievements of men, but these people do not realize that if it were not were the women in the background, then these men would not have succeeded so. Yet, this comes as no surprise because men are very powerful in the world and so everyone pays all their attention to them and so they forget the quieter yet more secured voices of the women behind the men, encouraging them. After all everyone needs that quiet but wise voice to make the right decision in most cases in life and powerful men are no different; they need their partners to hold on to them and light the way before they venture out into another adventure.

 

This article caught my eye because it actually gave me hope about the future of films, considering I had recently read and done an article about the lack of depth and content movies were producing nowadays. Yet, with this article, the acknowledgement made me realize that there is still some hope that films are improving because now they seem to want to focus on the underdogs of the society and families which in my opinion, is deep and worth viewing.

 

As a student, this caught my eye because now I will pay more attention to the secondary characters mentioned in my history class. Usually main points and big names are always pressured to be learned which fine, yet by doing so, the lesser known individuals are forgotten and pushed into the shadows which is not fair. Now, by reading this article, I will pay extra attention to the more quiet characters in history and not just the most common or influential ones, because as the article stated: the minor characters are the ones that together, are slowly pushing the wheel of history forward.

 

As a future filmmaker, this article impacts me because now I am interested in showcasing the lesser known historical figures or the quieter people in the world. Since now I am aiming toward creating documentaries rather than films, this article gave me many chances and ideas with what I can focus on so that I can better educate my audience. I will now choose to demonstrate many unknown people in the world such as Elizabeth Blackwell (first woman doctor in the USA) so her accomplishments can be properly recognized and praised because there are many people like her that have paved the way for others.   

 

As a consumer, this article affected me because it now motivates me even more to watch these kinds of films. I have always been a history nerd (I LOVE IT!!) and so films like “Lincoln” “Troy”, “Saving Private Ryan”, and “Gone with the Wind”, have always captivated my attention and now this will only be intensified. I will be more encouraged to go out to the movie theaters and view movies like these to not only learn more about history, but also focus on the minor characters that truly make a difference.

 

After reading this article, I wondered whether people actually thought about the lesser known characters in films because they must have had a purpose, no matter how small. I would also like to know if people will look at prominent figures in a different light; will people realize that there is more to that successful person? That there is a quieter and maybe smarter and wiser person standing behind them?    

Link: Ladies