When Callie Khouri first wrote the script for Thelma & Louise and got Ridley Scott on board, it was with him as producer. They offered it to several directors, including Bob Rafelson, Richard Donner, and Kevin Reynolds, but they all turned it down. Michelle Pfeiffer, who was at that point cast as one of the leads along with Jodie Foster, was the one who convinced Scott that he should actually direct the film. Of course by the time the cameras would be rolling, the cast would have changed several more times, but the script changed very little and Scott delivered as strong as interpretation of Khouri’s script as one could have. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we add this episode to our Couples on the Run series as a member bonus episode. It’s Scott’s 1991 film Thelma & Louise. We talk about the challenges some people have with the ending of the film, including Pete, and how it seems to take the power away from the feminist message of the film. We also talk about how others see the ending of the film as a message of the times in that powerful females aren’t given any way out except this, as Andy sees it. Regardless, it can’t be argued that the end of the film has become iconic and is certainly worth talking about. We also discuss what Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis bring to the role and why they work so well as these characters, even if there are scripted moments that makes them seem a bit more dingy than it should. We look at the rest of the cast – Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Christopher McDonald, Brad Pitt, Stephen Tobolowsky, Timothy Carhart, and more – to see what they’re bringing to the table, and if they’re bringing anything to the table to help avoid this ‘anti-men’ stance so many seem to feel the film takes. We look at the gorgeous cinematography that Adrian Biddle provides, particularly with the incredible amounts of dust everywhere. We touch on Hans Zimmer’s music as well as the fantastic songs filling out the soundtrack. It’s a divisive film that we have a great time talking about. Check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! This episode is only available for Two-Reeler members of our community. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
