Film Review: 8 Awesome Films by Female Directors

Film Review: 8 Awesome Films by Female Directors

female directors films by female directors international womens day Little miss sunshine women in film women in hollywood women in horror women in horror month

(Image source)

Last year, 92% of films had no female directors and a recent study revealed that women accounted for just 7% of directors in the industry. As such, it seems there is still much work to be done for women in film. And so, in the spirit of International Women's Day this week, I thought I'd put together a list celebrating my favourite films by some very talented female directors...

(Image source)

The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow, 2008) - Won 6 Oscars including Kathryn Bigelow as the first women to win the Academy Award Best Director.

Following the death of his predecessor, Sergeant William James (Jeremy Reiner) is assigned to specialist army bomb squad during the Iraq War. However, his work ethic and maverick methods put his squad mates on edge when they find themselves in the midst of an ambush.

It's surprising to think that before this film, no women had won Best Director at the Academy Awards - naturally this had to be included on my list. Kathryn Bigelow has become recognised for the way she portrays masculinity and manhood in her films and The Hurt Locker is no exception. Whilst it is very much a character piece and a social statement on war, it is very much an edge-of-your seat thriller. For me, it is particularly standout in the way it both explores and celebrates the self-destructive military antiheroes and their inability to disconnect when they arrive home from war. An outstanding piece of cinema. Bigelow's other films include Point Break (1991), Zero Dark Thirty (2012) and Strange Days (1995).

(Image source)

Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola, 2003) - Won 1 Oscar and another 96 award wins and a further 122 nominations.

An aging American actor, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), arrives in Tokyo to film a whisky advert and meets Charlotte; a young college graduate who is left neglected by her celebrity photographer husband. Charlotte is left feeling detached from her husband's lifestyle and disillusioned about their relationship whilst Bob's own 25-year marriage is strained as he goes through a midlife crisis. Having met in the Tokyo hotel, the pair form an unlikely friendship.

Sofia Coppola may be the queen of films about girls on the cusp of womanhood but Lost in Translation explores two people at two entirely different places in their lives. Beautifully stylised and with stunning cinematography by Lance Acord, Coppola is able to switch seamlessly between hilarious comedy and intimate romance within the magical setting of Tokyo. When I first saw this, I was very much on the fence and it took a while for me to revisit it but I'd strongly recommend giving it a watch, alongside some of Coppola's other films such as The Bling Ring (2013), Somewhere (2010) and The Virgin Suicides (1999). 

(Image source)

Little Miss Sunshine (Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, 2006) - Won 2 Oscars and received 68 other awards and 105 nominations. 

The Hoovers are a stressed fueled, dysfunctional family. Father, Richard (Greg Kinear) is desperately trying to get his business venture off the ground with little success; Uncle Frank (Steve Carell) is a shamed professor whose recent failed suicide sees him living back with his sister and brother, Dwayne (Paul Dano), is a mute. However, when seven-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin) is invited to compete in the "Little Miss Sunshine" pageant in far-off California, the family decides to put their squabbles aside and set out on a road trip in support their daughter. 

OK so I'm cheating slightly on this one as Jonathan Dayton is a co-director but it doesn't change the fact that this is still directed by a women. Little Miss Sunshine is way up there on my favourite films of all time and so I just had to include it. Whilst it was sold as a sharp, dry-humoured comedy, the film also features some deeply moving scenes which say a lot about humanity and the human condition - carried out by a phenomenal cast. I cannot recommend this film enough and it is impossible not to laugh (and maybe even cry) at this fantastic narrative about family and the importance of being weird. 

(Image source)

Wayne's World (Penelope Spheeris, 1992) - 3 award wins and another 3 nominations

Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) are two best friends from Chicago - broadcasting a talk-show called "Wayne's World" on local public access television from Wayne's parents' basement. However, when the show begins to attract the attention of a network executive, Ben (Rob Lowe), who wants to produce a big budget version of the show, things don't quite go to plan. Battling against the studio, Wayne and Garth must work to save their show whilst also stopping Ben from trying to steal Wayne's girlfriend, Cassandra (Tia Carrere).

Without a doubt, Wayne's World is another one of my all time favourite films and so it only seemed fair to include in this list. Arguably, the film runs on a thin plot but let's face it - you don't watch a comedy such as this for it's awards recognition. The incredible, highly quotable jokes and hilarious performances and writing from Myers and Carvey is what makes this a true classic. If you haven't seen it yet...where have you been? My whole childhood was this movie. Spheeris' vast list of works also includes The Little Rascals (1994), Black Sheep (1996) and The Decline of Western Civilization (1981). 

(Image source)

American Honey (Andrea Arnold, 2016) -

American Honey follows the story of Star (Sasha Lane), a young girl who has suffered abuse within a troubled home. Desperate to escape her situation, she decides to run away with a traveling sales crew who drive across the American Midwest selling door-to-door subscriptions. Finding her feet in this gang of teenagers, one of whom is Jake (Shia LaBeouf), she soon gets into the group's lifestyle of hard-partying nights, law-bending and drugs.

I'll be honest, I wasn't 100% sold on this film the first time around. There are times when it felt too long with very little actual plot points but it certainly holds the attention thanks to the performances by LaBeouf and the cool charisma of Sacha Lane. What really sold this film for me, was the incredible cinematography and the narrative which is ultimately a coming of age drama.

(Image source)

Selma (Ava Duvernay, 2014) - Received 58 award wins and a further 88 nominations, won 1 Oscar and was nominated for 2. 

A powerful civil rights drama following the final marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. (David Oyelowo) in 1965. Staging a series of peaceful protests, Selma, a small town in Alabama, becomes the theatre of a freedom march that is met by a bloody and violent resistance at the hands of the local authorities. In a bid to gain the right to vote without any tiered scrutiny, King is set to change the course of history as he and his fellow activists approach the final push for equality.

Selma is not entirely without it's flaws but cinematography is still well and truly there with some scenes beautifully shot. DuVernay plays on the biggest strengths of the film - the outstanding cast and the narrative's powerful message. Oyelowo delivers a truly heartfelt and moving performance which is truly Oscar-worthy. He is backed by a rich supporting cast, including executive producer Oprah Winfrey, dignified in the opening scene (as Annie Lee Cooper) where she is denied the right to vote by a racist bureaucrat, while Tim Roth, (as Alabama governor George Wallace), proves himself to be a pleasant surprise. Some note worthy cameos also come from Cuba Gooding Jnr, Martin Sheen and Giovanni Ribisi. 

(Image source)

An Education (Lone Scherfig, 2009) - Nominated for 3 Oscars and another 35 wins and 89 nominations.

Set in 1961, Jenny Mellor (Carey Mulligan) is an intelligent 16-year-old schoolgirl preparing for Oxford University when she falls for a charming older man, David Goldman (Peter Sarsgaard). David shows Jenny a life she never thought possible; taking her to Paris, concerts, clubs and fine restaurants whilst also manipulating her parents into approving of the relationship. However, having dropped out of school to pursue a life with David, giving him her virginity and innocence, Jenny is shocked to discover that he is not who he says he is. 

An Education really is a film with unforgettable central performances from Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. But whilst it's the stylish settings and acting which truly make this film worth a watch, it has a much deeper rooted meaning which arguably appeals to all women. Based on the memoir of journalist Lynn Barber, the film becomes a story of grooming - a young women being taken advantage of by an older male. Ultimately, this is something which is all too common and I'm sure many women can relate to when looking back at their teenage years. Scherfig does an excellent job of handling such a subject which is rarely portrayed in such a genre.

(Image source)

American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000) - 5 award wins and another 8 nominations

Based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy New York banking executive, consumed by the yuppie lifestyle. Despite having a fiancee (Reese Witherspoon) and an active social life, Patrick hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, dark and gruesome fantasies. 

OK so I know I mentioned this one recently but it's just as valid. Some people may fail to see how American Psycho is a feminist film due to the poor treatment and sexualisation of the female characters. However, it can also be argued that this in itself is a social statement. Ultimately, the film is a satirical narrative about fragile masculinity and the male compulsion to compete with each other. Set within the hyper-reality they've created for themselves, the women are presented as less important - something that the director shines a harsh yet somehow comedic light on. With an incredible story that also sees performances from Jared Leto, Willem Dafoe and Chloë Sevigny, American Psycho is forever on my list of top dramatic horrors.

___

Well, that's it for my favourite films by female directors. What are some of your favourite films which celebrate women in the film industry? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones down below.

Until next time,

Film Review: 10 Films Celebrating Women in Horror

Film Review: 10 Films Celebrating Women in Horror

alien american psycho audition film review female leads in horror films Film Bloggers film review london film bloggers WIHM women in horror women in horror month

This February sees another International Women in Horror Month - a month dedicated to supporting the underrepresented work of women in the horror industries. As a fellow female and a huge fan of the genre myself, I thought I'd put together a list of my favourite horrors featuring a strong female cast or director. Here's my list...

(Image source)

Audition (Takashi Miike, 1999) - Based on the novel of the same name, Audition is a Japanese thriller following Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Alongside his film maker friend, the pair begin screening girls, whilst posing as a fake production, in the hopes of finding a new wife. Shortly in to filming, he begins a relationship with Asami (Eihi Shiina) - an ex-ballerina and seemingly withdrawn and shy young women who isn't happy with their arrangement. As such, Aoyama soon realises that Asami is not as she seems - leading to gradually increased tension and a harrowing climax.

Certainly not the faint hearted, Audition remains a prominent cult classic within Japanese horrors. Directed by Takashi Miike (known for Ichi The Killer, 2001), the film arguably defies your conventional horror codes by featuring one of the most bad-ass female evil figures - terrorising the male. Much like Miike's other pieces which are socially and politically contextual, Audition is said to act as a statement on male arrogance within Japanese culture. Though stomach-turning, horror fans will adore its stunning direction and wit. 

(Image source)

Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979) - Deep in the depths of space, the crew of a commercial vessel are awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules to investigate a distress call from what appears to be an alien ship. Having boarded them, the crew encounters a nest of mysterious eggs but are terrified when a creature from inside an egg attaches itself to one of the crew, causing him to fall in to a coma. Believing it to now be dead, the real horror ensues when they learn that it's life cycle has only just begun.

There's no escaping the bad-ass that is Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). Released in 1979, a strong female lead was somewhat of a rare occurrence and whilst Ripley is arguably sexualised in particular scenes, she is ultimately an empowering feminist figure - and nothing gets more feminist theory than a women being chased by a giant phallic space monster. Besides its social and political context, Alien remains a unique and beautifully directed narrative and is well worth the watch if you haven't seen it already. 

(Image source)

American Psycho (Mary Harron, 2000) - Arguably one of the most recognised feminist horrors, American Psycho may seem like an obvious and generic pick. Based on the Bret Easton Ellis novel, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is a wealthy New York banking executive, consumed by the yuppie lifestyle. Despite having a fiancee (Reese Witherspoon) and an active social life, Patrick hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he escalates deeper into his illogical, dark and gruesome fantasies. 

Some people may fail to see how American Psycho is a feminist film due to the poor treatment and sexualisation of the female characters. However, it can also be argued that this in itself is a social statement. Ultimately, the film is a satirical narrative about fragile masculinity and the male compulsion to compete with each other. Set within the hyper-reality they've created for themselves, the women are presented as less important - something that the director shines a harsh yet somehow comedic light on. With an incredible story that also sees performances from Jared Leto, Willem Dafoe and Chloë Sevigny, American Psycho is forever on my list of top dramatic horrors.

(Image source)

The Final Girls (Todd Strauss-Schulson, 2015) - Max (Taissa Farmiga) is still coming to terms with the loss of her mother (Malin Akerman) - a former scream queen from 1980s horror movies. Having attended an anniversary screening of her mum's most famous film with her friends, the gang finds themselves inside the narrative and fighting off a masked murderer. Reunited with her mother, the pair must abide by genre conventions to stay alive.

Its narrative may sounds bizarre but this film is made by horror lovers, for horror lovers. Similar to the satirical humour of Cabin in the Woods (Drew Goddard, 2011), The Final Girls is fully self-aware and playing on all the genre conventions to make for one refreshing and very amusing comedy. A prominent theme through, of course, is making light of the sexualisation of women, punishment of the sexually active and of course - the final girl. However, with a serious subject matter at the heart, it also has a great level of depth. If you love horror movies or just a laugh, I'd strongly recommend this movie.

(Image source)

The Descent (Neil Marshall, 2005) - A British horror following six female friends who venture in to what they believe is an undiscovered cave on a weekend away. Having found themselves trapped, their expedition quickly goes horrifically wrong when they realise they are not alone underground.

Centred on female empowerment,  The Descent is a suspense-filled, well shot horror and the ultimate last stand story. Though horror is very much at the forefront of this narrative, it also explores themes of motherhood, grief and rebirth through the film's protagonist, Sarah. Sarah is a strong character  -even before she is forced to defend herself against monsters. This film has always been such a memorable film for me - as an underage teen renting this movie, it gave me goosebumps and remains a nostalgic classic amongst my ever-growing horror collection. Beautifully directed and certainly a stand out production from the time and genre.

(Image source)

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (Ana Lily Amipour, 2014) - The residents of a worn-down Iranian city, known as Bad City, encounter a skateboarding vampire (Sheila Vand) who preys on unsuspecting men who disrespect women.

Created by screenwriter, producer, actor and director, Ana Lily Amirpour - it's title may suggest a vulnerability in a young female walking home alone but it is others who should be afraid. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a beautifully shot, monochrome comedy of the undead, a somewhat hipster interpretation of a vampire genre. Whilst it can be argued that it is nothing new, it is clear that this is made by a movie lover for movie lovers - gathering influences from all the best sources. Having taken home Best Short Film at the 2012 Noor Iranian Film Festival, this is well worth a watch for those of you looking for a refreshing new horror. 

(Image source)

The Babadook (Jennifer Kent, 2014) - In a refreshing blend of the supernatural and psychological thrill, The Babadook is a chilling Australian horror. Seven years after the tragic death of her husband, Amelia (Essie Davis) is struggling to cope with life as a single mother to a child with severe behavioural problems. Son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman), is aggressive and suspended in his thoughts of story-time, magic tricks and monsters. When a mysterious and disturbing children's book appears on the shelf, Amelia battles with her son's fear of a monster, "The Babadook", lurking in the house but soon discovers a sinister presence hovering over her. 

For me, The Babadook remains a standout film for Women in Horror. For me, it was the first horror which appeared to actively addresses depression in mothers. Having made it's way in to the official Top 25 horrors of the 21st century, The Babadook is certainly one to check out although it's very much a marmite movie - you'll either love it or you'll hate it. An outstanding piece of modern horror - read my full review here. 

(Image source)

Let The Right One In (Tomas Alfredson, 2008) - A beautifully shot Swedish vampire tale set in 1982 Stockholm. Oskar is being ruthlessly bullied at school. Feeling isolated and overlooked, he finds an unusual friendship in Eli, a bizarre girl living next door. Eli's friendship gives Oskar the strength to fight back but she will need help in return.

The American remake, Let Me In (Matt Reeves), went on to be made in 2010 and it is nearly shot-for-shot. However, it lacks the originality and personally, I'd recommend the original as it seems that Sweden just know how to make a horror. Whilst the lead female in this film is presented as a young girl, she is a force to reckoned with. Her 'guardian' is a middle-aged man but it soon becomes clear that is the one in control and has a hold on those around her - presenting interesting feminist themes throughout. 

(Image source)

You're Next (Adam Wingard, 2011) - Erin (Sharni Vinson) is meeting her boyfriend's parents over a long weekend when the family comes under siege by a gang of mysterious masked killers. However, when their attack is proving more difficult then planned, the killers soon learn that Erin harbours a concealed talent for fighting back. What follows is a gore-fest and bloody battle to survive as a gang in animal masks savagely attempt to take down the family and their first time guest.

Directed by horror veteran, Adam Wingard (known for The Guest, 2014), it's no surprise that this film is wonderfully stylised with a fantastic plot. You're Next doesn't so much as play on horror conventions, yet it is aware of it's genre and makes humorous references through excessive gore. In a seemingly conventional tale of last girl standing, Erin turns out to be somewhat of a badass and fights back against the gang of killers revealing specialist training from her past. The film also features a number of shock plot twists which results in a hugely underrated crowd pleaser.

(Image source)

Stoker (Pan Chan-Wook, 2013) - Following the tragic death of her father on her 18th birthday, India (Mia Wasikowska) and her unstable mother (Nicole Kidman) move in with her Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode) - a charming man of which she has never heard of. Realising that this mysterious man may not be who he seems, India becomes fascinated with him and learns to embrace her inner dark thoughts.

Directed by Park Chan-Wook, Stoker presents a beautifully stylised and wonderfully dark gothic melodrama. Drawing heavy influences from Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt (1943), Stoker ultimately follows the development of India - a girl on the brink of womanhood who learns how to master her violent, inner demons. Some of the most prominent scenes in the film are that when India's male schoolmates attempt to sexualise and belittle her. However, she reclaims her female power over him before unleashing her repressed desires later on in the film.

___

Well, that's it for another film list. Don't forget to visit the Women in Horror Month website to keep up to date on all their events and spread the word. But tell me, what are your favourite films celebrating Women in Horror? Do you agree with my list above? As always, I love to read your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones below.

Until next time movie lovers,