Few films have divided opinion in the last three decades as Ridley Scott’s THELMA & LOUISE. A screenplay by a then-first time writer, Callie Khouri, a former actress who created the script because she had nothing to lose (outlined in an interview with late screenwriting guru Syd Field in his book FOUR SCREENPLAYS), THELMA & LOUISE is the story of Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davis) and Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon), a housewife and waitress.
Thelma is married to an abusive, uncaring husband, Daryl (Christopher McDonald) whilst Louise has an on-off relationship with Jimmy (Michael Madsen, RESERVOIR DOGS). The two decide to get away for a weekend at a remote cabin owned by Louise’s boss, but stop off at a roadside bar, where Thelma dances with a leering regular, Harlan (Timothy Carhart). A little tipsy, Harlan takes her outside and tries to have his way with her, but is stopped by Louise pointing a gun which Thelma brought along for the trip. When Harlan taunts them, Louise shoots him. It turns into a run for the hills – and a fight for their lives…
Ridley Scott’s ability as a filmmaker was questioned before the release of this film. However, after its’ critical and award success (Khouri won for Best Original Screenplay at the release year Oscars) his stock rose once again, as did Davis and Sarandon who’d established themselves as two of the best in the business.
At first glance a road movie, THELMA & LOUISE evolves into a truly spirited reflection of female empowerment, with vibrant humour and some incredible cinematography by Adrian Biddle, coupled with an atmospheric score by legend Hans Zimmer.