Yes, Gerwig's adaptation is clearly made with the long-time lover of Little Women in mind. So often adaptations are designed with the non-reader in mind...creators focusing on the story making sense for people who aren't familiar with the story. In this adaptation, however, it asks the audience to do a little more work to understand it if they don't know the story. In exchange, it offers a greater reward by highlighting the way memory and growing up are so fundamental to the themes of the story. And it's not like audiences aren't given clues to help them understand where they are in the story. I especially love how the visual tone of the scenes shifts from warmer colors in the past to cooler colors in the future!
I absolutely agree, Natalie! Thank you for your lovely comment. Yes, that is part of the joy of this film - I think - that as lovers of Little Women, we are asked to really participate in the storytelling journey as well. I love the way memory and growing up are foregrounded in this adaptation. You're right, the visual cues were excellent!
I love how you describe the ending as being a way to honour Louisa May Alcott’s legacy. While loving the movie, I’d always felt uncomfortable with the ending because it felt like a feminist rewrite to me. As if marriage isn’t a worthy pursuit and that it can’t coexist with achieving your dreams. But this perspective has helped me appreciate and feel more comfortable with the ending as Alcott didn’t get married and the movie portrays what publishing the book would’ve been like for her. And for that, I thank you 😌
Thank you so much for your comment, Ruth! I love your reflections here. To be honest, it took me a little while to grapple with the end of the Little Women film too. Yes, it did feel like a feminist rewrite to me as well, and if I read it as an ending to Jo's story, I kind of hated it too. Because Jo finding love with Professor Bhaer is one of my favourite things in Little Women, and if anything, it makes her character mature and her dreams of pursuing writing and education expands with her marriage. I agree; the subtle message that suggests that marriage and family are obstacles to a woman's dreams made me uncomfortable too. However, from the perspective of seeing Jo take on the role - or morph - into Alcott herself—made me respect that ending more. I think there is this narrative as well that says one can't be fulfilled unless they are in a relationship, married, etc., which ignores the beautiful, rich lives of so many men and women who experience the trials and joys of singleness.
You're welcome, my friend! Thank you for your support, always!
I loved this movie for so many of the reasons you explore! I had seen Lady Bird when that came out before, and while it’s a very different story, I was impressed with how, no matter how good or bad of a relationship you have with your family, Gerwig gives you something in this mother/daughter relationship that is relatable.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Mollie! I am glad we feel the same way about Little Women and Gerwig as a director.
Ooh, I watched Lady Bird recently too, and while it wasn't my favourite, there were parts that resonated with me deeply. That mother/daughter relationship was very well done, I agree!
Yes, Gerwig's adaptation is clearly made with the long-time lover of Little Women in mind. So often adaptations are designed with the non-reader in mind...creators focusing on the story making sense for people who aren't familiar with the story. In this adaptation, however, it asks the audience to do a little more work to understand it if they don't know the story. In exchange, it offers a greater reward by highlighting the way memory and growing up are so fundamental to the themes of the story. And it's not like audiences aren't given clues to help them understand where they are in the story. I especially love how the visual tone of the scenes shifts from warmer colors in the past to cooler colors in the future!
I absolutely agree, Natalie! Thank you for your lovely comment. Yes, that is part of the joy of this film - I think - that as lovers of Little Women, we are asked to really participate in the storytelling journey as well. I love the way memory and growing up are foregrounded in this adaptation. You're right, the visual cues were excellent!
I love how you describe the ending as being a way to honour Louisa May Alcott’s legacy. While loving the movie, I’d always felt uncomfortable with the ending because it felt like a feminist rewrite to me. As if marriage isn’t a worthy pursuit and that it can’t coexist with achieving your dreams. But this perspective has helped me appreciate and feel more comfortable with the ending as Alcott didn’t get married and the movie portrays what publishing the book would’ve been like for her. And for that, I thank you 😌
Thank you so much for your comment, Ruth! I love your reflections here. To be honest, it took me a little while to grapple with the end of the Little Women film too. Yes, it did feel like a feminist rewrite to me as well, and if I read it as an ending to Jo's story, I kind of hated it too. Because Jo finding love with Professor Bhaer is one of my favourite things in Little Women, and if anything, it makes her character mature and her dreams of pursuing writing and education expands with her marriage. I agree; the subtle message that suggests that marriage and family are obstacles to a woman's dreams made me uncomfortable too. However, from the perspective of seeing Jo take on the role - or morph - into Alcott herself—made me respect that ending more. I think there is this narrative as well that says one can't be fulfilled unless they are in a relationship, married, etc., which ignores the beautiful, rich lives of so many men and women who experience the trials and joys of singleness.
You're welcome, my friend! Thank you for your support, always!
I loved this movie for so many of the reasons you explore! I had seen Lady Bird when that came out before, and while it’s a very different story, I was impressed with how, no matter how good or bad of a relationship you have with your family, Gerwig gives you something in this mother/daughter relationship that is relatable.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Mollie! I am glad we feel the same way about Little Women and Gerwig as a director.
Ooh, I watched Lady Bird recently too, and while it wasn't my favourite, there were parts that resonated with me deeply. That mother/daughter relationship was very well done, I agree!