Thelma and Louise the anti-feminists
When considering Thelma and Louise through a feministic lens it is interesting to take note of how women are being represented the film. All throughout the film I as an audience member am able to feel the presence of the male gaze. Both Thelma and Louise are presented as two women exhibiting a sense of uncertainty and the lack of knowledge in how to regain control of their lives when men are absent.
The struggle that Thelma goes through during the course of the film is reaching the realization that men are not a necessity. When both she and Louise stop at a local bar while on the road she immediately focuses her attention on Harland. Thelma does not recognize this journey as one that will not only allow her to break free of the ties that bound her to her husband but also a way in which she can stand free on her own and revisit that strength that she possesses in being a women. This is exhibited with Thelma’s interaction with Brad Pitt’s character. Knowing nothing about this mysterious man other than the fact that he is attractive and good with words she allows herself to fall into his trap. Even after he confesses his illegal behavior she still is unable to break the power that he has over her.
The bar scene suggests that the characters themselves possess an anti-feminist belief. After Louise takes care of Harland she claims that reporting to the police is not an option, no one will believe that Thelma was raped after taking into consideration her closeness with him at the bar. After taking into consideration the hardship that Louise experienced in Texas she is unable to view society through a feminist mentality, relying on authority to recognize violence towards women as a significant issue that must be acknowledged. She understands that women even during the late 80s, early 90s are viewed as inferior beings and the feminist ideology is continuously being put into question.