Exploring feminist angles in 3 films directed by Greta Gerwig

          Barbie (2023) movie by Greta Gerwig, an American actress, screenwriter, and director, became the first film from a solo female director to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Gerwig has also written and directed the coming-of-age films Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019), where protagonists are curious, transgressive, and boldly defiant against the confines of their surroundings. Let’s consider aspects, through the lens of Gerwig’s creations, where rebellion meets curiosity, and the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

Photo: Courtesy of Ellen Fedors for Rolling Stone

Lady Bird (2017)

          “Lady Bird” challenges traditional narratives by focusing on the idea of discovering who you are, even when you’re similar to someone else, as shown through the main character’s journey. This type of story is usually about romantic relationships for female leads, but “Lady Bird” breaks that norm because it’s about a young woman becoming her own person, not just through romance. Lady Bird wants to do things her own way, which can be a big part of feminism. This struggle reflects her relationship with her mom and also shows how teenagers grow and change. The movie also criticises the idea that men should be in charge and shows Lady Bird’s friendships with other girls that are supportive and caring. This challenges the idea that girls need to be mean to each other.

Photo: Courtesy of A24

          Lady Bird explores her feelings about love and her body, which is important for people to see without judgement. Lastly, she doesn’t follow what society expects from girls; she does what she likes. It is a movie about a young woman finding her way in the world. It’s different because it’s not just about romance, but also about identity, relationships, and feminism. All these things make the movie empowering and important for anyone who cares about these issues.

Little Women (2019)

          Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of “Little Women” can be seen as a feminist movie due to its portrayal of strong and independent female characters, its exploration of gender roles and expectations, and its emphasis on women’s ambitions and desires in a society that often limited their opportunities.

Photo: Courtesy of Sony

          The film highlights the March sisters’ individual paths, ambitions, and struggles, showcasing their determination to pursue careers and dreams beyond traditional domestic roles. Gerwig also contrasts the limitations imposed on women by societal norms with their efforts to break free from these constraints, advocating for women’s autonomy and self-expression. Through its narrative structure and emphasis on the sisters’ growth and relationships, the film offers a feminist perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by women during the 19th century and resonates with contemporary discussions on gender equality and empowerment.

Barbie (2023)

          In this movie, Barbie represents feminism and talks about society. Gerwig continues her exploration of strong female characters. Barbie breaks the mould of how women should be, showing the difficulties faced from societal norms. The story is about a girl who lives in a perfect place called Barbieland, where women are presidents, creators, and hosts of parties. This shows a world where women are in charge and equal to men. But in the real world, Barbie experiences problems like harassment and being treated like an object, which many real women also go through.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros

          The film also shines a spotlight on Ken’s character, who discovers the stark reality of male dominance in the real world. Ken’s transformation from an innocent beachgoer to a proponent of patriarchy humorously critiques toxic masculinity. Through Ken’s story, the movie talks about how men sometimes resort to stereo-type beliefs to reclaim control when they feel threatened by women’s progress. It’s about how they try to wrest control back by using unfair ideas. In the end, it shows how these ideas hurt people asking both men and women to reconsider traditional gender norms and confront the harm posed by the patriarchy. This movie gives a new way to think about feminism which is not just for women because it also wants men to think about this too.

          Through her lens, Gerwig’s films inspire empowerment, growth, and a resounding call for change.