Thelma and Louise (BFI Modern Classics) Paperback – August 26, 2000

Great book for some context behind the film's socio-historical readings, as well as some critical theory.

I was hoping for a book that told the STORY of Thelma and Louise. This is a book about the impact of the movie, and the meaning of it. I actually liked it in the end. Very good for what it was... like a high school book report about a movie. It encouraged me to want to see the Movie again!

Sturken's "Thelma & Louise" is an excellent addition to BFI's Modern Classics book series. This analysis of the popular and conroversial film covers several important topics including: the hype and various reactions/criticisms of the film upon its theatrical release, how the film fits into feminist film theory, whether the violence in Thelma & Louise is worse than other films that were NOT criticized for their violence, what genre the film belongs in, Ridley Scott's directorial vision for the film and various motifs, how the characters change and why, what options these women have in a male dominated world, and what the ending signifies. Sturken includes quotes from several articles and interviews.

It's a great film, and an interesting (albeit quite brief) book - the BFI Classics TV books are a little more substantial.You do come to understand the film more and appreciate it to a greater degree, but there are occasional sentences where I believe an opinion held by the author is voiced that lacks substance. By way of example, the book describes the assertion by screenplay writer Callie Khouri that the film is based in feminist themes but is not a feminist film as 'disingenuous' - I don't see how those two things are mutually exclusive.If you love the film though, this guide is definitely worth a read.

This is an excellent, thoughtful analysis by Marita Sturken of an excellent film. I've never forgotten the impact of seeing this film when it first appeared and recently watched it again. I've found that it's possible to get more out of the experience of watching a film by reading an expert analysis of it afterwards that examines and points out various layers and ways of interpretation and this book does just that. Expert analysis usually reveals things that one missed and sometimes pleasurably supports one's opinions. The books in the BFI Film Classics series can be a little uneven in their analytical quality but this is one of the best.

Thanks and greetings!