Thelma and Louise first hit theaters in 1991, and thirty years later, it's still considered one of the greatest road trip movies of all time. The film follows two women on a journey of self-discovery as they flee from the law across the American Southwest.
But what does Thelma and Louise have to do with theater? Well, for starters, the film’s screenplay was written by Callie Khouri, who had previously worked in the theater world before making her move to Hollywood. In fact, Khouri won an Oscar for her Thelma and Louise screenplay and subsequently went on to work on several other successful films, including Something to Talk About and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
The film also boasts two powerhouse performances from Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in theater. Sarandon, who played Louise, got her start off-Broadway before eventually making her way onto the Broadway stage. She won a Tony Award in 2009 for her performance in the play Exit the King. Likewise, Davis, who played Thelma, also has a background in theater, having studied drama at Boston University before going on to star in several Off- and on-Broadway productions, including the play The Exonerated.
So, what makes Thelma and Louise relevant to theater today? Well, for one thing, the film’s themes of female empowerment and anti-establishment spirit are just as relevant now as they were in 1991. Women are still fighting for equality and breaking down barriers within the entertainment industry, and Thelma and Louise’s journey is a powerful reminder of just how far we’ve come – and how much further we still have to go.
Additionally, the film’s iconic final scene – in which the titular characters drive their car off a cliff – could be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate act of rebellion. In theater, we often strive to create bold, daring works of art that push boundaries and make audiences think. Whether it’s a new play tackling tough social issues or a revival of a classic work with a fresh spin, theater has the power to shape our culture and challenge our ideas.
In many ways, Thelma and Louise set the stage for this kind of boundary-breaking storytelling. By paving the way for female-driven narratives and highlighting the struggles faced by women in male-dominated society, the film encouraged more diverse voices to make their mark in the entertainment industry. And today, we can see the impact of that influence in all corners of theater – from the Broadway stage to community theaters around the world.
So, while Thelma and Louise may not have been made specifically for theater, its legacy lives on in the stories we tell and the perspectives we share onstage. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern entertainment, we should always remember the groundbreaking work that came before us – and use it as an inspiration to keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles we may face.