Story of artistic pursuit and achieving self-reliance: Little Women
Lou earned her stripes as a cutting-edge filmmaker with Lady Bird, but when she laid eyes on Little Women, she knew she had to bring the classic novel to life. Greta approached the Joneses with a burning passion for the project, declaring, "I want to adapt Little Women. I have a very specific idea of what it's about: women as artists, and the struggle for financial independence."
Indeed, her vision hones in on the ambitious dreams of the March sisters - Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy - living their lives on their own terms. In this heartfelt adaptation, the bond between these four unforgettable characters becomes both timeless and immediate.
Little Women sheds light on a world that is tough on ambitious girls, but also offers hope: ambition is its own reward. The story begins with the sisters as innocent children, with the world's possibilities wide open and nothing holding them back. But as they grow up and navigate love, heartbreak, and the societal pressures on women's ambitions, they find that their inner lives can help them break free from the constraints of the world.
Greta Gerwig's genius lies in her ability to deconstruct the novel, alternating between their younger and older selves, spinning a tale of growth, change, and sisterhood. By using a fluid approach to time, Gerwig immerses the audience in the memories, accidents, and acts of will that shape the lives of the March sisters. Each sister finds her path, transforming into a complex and unique adult.
Jo March becomes an ink-stained, fiercely independent writer, determined to defy the status quo and make her mark in the world. Meg, once eager to marry and settle down, finds her purpose as a nurturing and principled would-be actor. Beth, with her open heart, becomes a talented musician, while Amy develops into a clever and aspirational painter.
What makes this version of Little Women stand out is Gerwig's unapologetic exploration of the everyday lives of women. The sisters' discoveries, sacrifices, and struggles are deeply significant - their financial, artistic, and domestic concerns matter. Gerwig forces the audience to ask: what does it mean to take control of your life? So much is out of your control, but the sisters' divergent dreams offer a glimpse into what can be achieved against the odds.
In visually ravishing detail, Gerwig captures the raw passion of Little Women. The film's vibrant aesthetic draws inspiration from the bold artists of Alcott's time, who changed the way people saw the world. And though they may tackle timeless themes, the questions they pose feel refreshingly modern. The film challenges us with questions that are still relevant today: money vs. art, love vs. personal satisfaction, the tension between individual freedom and familial obligations.
Gerwig's love for the original story is evident in every frame of her adaptation. Every reader brings their own personal interpretation to the story, and Gerwig adds her own unique touch, crafting a fresh and powerful adaptation that speaks to a new generation of women seeking to make their mark on the world.
Books about pop-culture, such as Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, serve as a reflection of sci-fi-and-fantasy worlds by offering stories of young women's ambitions and the challenges they face in pursuit of their dreams. Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Women, an entertaining masterwork, presents a timeless narrative that delves into the financial, artistic, and domestic tug-of-war of women, inspiring viewers to question their own paths and strive for control over their lives.
