Film Review Johnson Thomas hitlist@ mid- day. com Greta Gerwigu2019s continued attempt to further her solo directorial dream after the much lauded Lady Bird, is yet another commendable piece of cinema u2014 this time, the revered adapted classic, Little Women, that has serenaded several generations of viewers ever since cinema gained prominence.
Despite the multiple gold- standard iterations, both on TV and cinema, that Louisa May Alcottu2019s immortal 19th century- novel ( originally published in two parts in 1868 and 1869), has inspired, Gerwigu2019s version stands strong, and comes off as potent, empathetic and immensely appealing.
Hers is a unique voice that revisits the classic tale in an adaptation that feels just as emphatic and powerful despite the period setting and the antiquated values on display.
The March Sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth work their way into our hearts, and itu2019s not all that easy as they are neither sacrificial lambs nor assertive path- breaking feminists. The underlying theme here, of forgiveness, sharing and caring, overcomes the odds of individuality and ambition.
We first meet the head- strong, career- driven Jo, living in a boarding house in New York, pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist. She is eagerly looking forward to a career as a writer, despite having heard a u201c nou201d from an editor ( Tracy Letts) who wants her to give her female characters the conventional happy- ending of marriage. She also bumps into her harshest critic, professor Bhaer ( Louis Garrel), who she falls in love with, eventually.
We get glimpses of the artistically inclined, Europe- touring Amy ( Florence Pugh) and her entangled emotions regarding a beloved ex- neighbour Laurie ( Timothu00e9e Chalamet), the oldest sister Meg ( Emma Watson), who marries for love, and then Beth, the talented pianist ( Eliza Scanlen), their all- sacrificing mother, referred to as Marmee ( Laura Dern), as well as Aunt March ( Meryl Streep) the matriarch whose wealth and patronage could make a difference to the family trying to find a footing in a class- based society.
Gerwigu2019s narrative, edited by Nick Houy, is non- linear and resilient u2014 her signature style has her infuse both optimism and enthusiasm in creating a yarn that tells the travails of a family of women who grapple with circumstances, desires and tragedy, and she does it with great buoyancy. The film runs on two time- lines, past and present. The non- linear structure employed may not be completely coherent, but its emotional peaks are so well- defined that you canu2019t help but experience the aches, pains, and joys of living in a period made tumultuous by war and strife. The riveting performances and star powered turns add a great deal of appeal to the oft- told tale.
Gerwig makes her version inventive and innovative.
Little Women Dir: Greta Gerwig Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Eliza Scanlen, Meryl Streep 3 12 Uniquely appealing adaptation of a classic H YUCK HH WHATEVER HHH GOOD HHHH SUPER HHHHH AWESOME
