Thelma & Louise: Behind the Scenes with Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis

TLDRJoin Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as they share their experiences and insights while filming the iconic movie Thelma & Louise. From rewriting the script to working with director Ridley Scott, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating this groundbreaking film.

Key insights

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis had a collaborative and open working relationship with director Ridley Scott, which allowed for creative input and improvisation.

🎥Thelma & Louise provided a rare opportunity for two female leads to work together and be friends on screen, breaking the typical portrayal of women in movies.

💔The rape scene was one of the most challenging to film, but it highlighted the importance of the characters' emotional journeys and added depth to the story.

🌟Brad Pitt's role in Thelma & Louise launched his career as a leading man, showcasing his talent and ability to bring depth to character roles.

😄Filming the scene where they laugh hysterically was initially a challenge, but Susan Sarandon found a unique way to get into character and make it work.

Q&A

Was Thelma & Louise a controversial film?

Yes, the film faced both positive and negative reactions. Some praised it for its empowering portrayal of female characters, while others criticized it for its perceived man-hating message.

Did Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis have input in the script?

Yes, they had discussions with director Ridley Scott and even added dialogue to further explore their characters' motivations and emotions.

What impact did Thelma & Louise have on female representation in film?

Thelma & Louise challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for more diverse and complex female characters in movies. It became a cultural touchstone for feminist cinema.

Did Brad Pitt's role in Thelma & Louise boost his career?

Yes, Brad Pitt's performance as a charming drifter in Thelma & Louise helped establish him as a leading man and launched his career in Hollywood.

Was there any improvisation during the filming?

Yes, there were instances where Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, and director Ridley Scott embraced improvisation to enhance certain scenes and add depth to their characters.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis discuss their experiences filming Thelma & Louise.

04:20They recall their initial meetings with director Ridley Scott and their thoughts on the script.

08:32The challenging scene involving a rape is discussed, highlighting the importance of emotional depth in storytelling.

11:55Geena Davis reveals how she helped secure Brad Pitt's role in the film.

15:20They reflect on the impact of Thelma & Louise on female representation in film.

18:40The process of improvisation and collaboration during filming is discussed.