GWSS Spring 2008 Section B

Dear Frank,

I know that when you were thrust into our household, I told you to run away, but I'm glad that you didn't, or more accurately, couldn't. I have felt like an outcast in this whole family for so long and I felt like you understood me, even through silence. Even during that stifling road trip in that stupid excuse for a van, at least I felt like I wasn't alone. A part of me died when you and Olive showed me that I was color blind, further killing my dream of being a pilot, and I'm still not sure what I can do in its place. But you showed me that the kind of support that a family can force upon you is the kind that can save your life. I don't know if I would've found that kind of lesson in Nietzsche... although I could've tried I suppose.

I know you had to stay with us in order to save your life, and keep you somewhat sane. But I feel like your prescence helped to save MY life. I hope our relationship as uncle and nephew can continue into the future. But that doesn't mean we need to stay roommates anymore...

-Dwayne

Posted by KoreanPrincss at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal is reminiscent of those Hallmark movies my mom used to make me watch on Sunday evenings. Though sometimes cute, it was way too cheesy for me. The idea could've been portrayed in a more effective way, with characters who were less neurotic and more accessible. It surprised me that this was the last movie of the semester, it seemed like a strange fit.

My favorite movie from this semester was probably The Grace Lee Project. It kept my interest for the whole film, and Grace Lee's mission seemed so heartfelt. Her presentation of the topic was excellent.

Posted by magatron at 1:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My favorite road movie from this class would have to be Girl on a Motorcyle or Vegabond. I liked these two movies because I had never seen or heard about them before. I wouldn't have seen them if it was not for this class and they were unlike any movies I have ever seen. It seems like movies are losing originality in plot and these two movies were unlike that. Girl on a Motorcycle was a little cheesy and the male gaze in the film was absolutely ridiculous but I enjoyed watching something and being able to analyze it with the tools we were given in class. Vegabond was...well I will just call it interesting. You never knew how the main character was going to act, and you never knew her next move. This was a difficult blog because I will always like Easy Rider as well....but Girl on a Motorcyle and Vegabond were new to me and I like older movies.

Posted by Holly Golightly at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While the film Leaving Normal was at times over-the-top cheesy, I enjoyed it nonetheless. The film was a bit too happily-ever-after, especially at the end when the two women and the two young squatters come together in the new house to form a sort of family unit. I liked the female friendship and bonding aspect of the movie as well as the fact that everything seemed to work out for them.

My favorite film from this class was Little Miss Sunshine, but that happens to be my all time favorite. Boys on the Side would have to be my second favorite, probably because there's an aspect that we as women can all relate to. Thanks for a great semester. As a Fisheries and Wildlife student, I enjoyed this class much more than I expected.

Posted by Pumpkin at 5:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This movie was pretty damn corny. It wasn't different from any movie we have been watching at all. It didn't give me any message to take away with. It was just another movie about 2 women who have nothinggoing for them and just leaving to escape their problems.

In general, the number of films I liked in this class were few and far between. They all had the same message and in many cases made women look very stupid and emotionally weak.

My favorite movie was either Priscilla. It though it was hilarious and silly and they really pushed their boundaries which is something I love. It is a concept that I like to watchin adn deal with everyday.

Posted by Alexandra Goldman at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I disliked "Leaving Normal" a lot! I thought it was a really bad film. It seemed like it was just a heart warming film from the Woman's Entertainment channel. I do not really see how it applies to anything. I felt like we just watched it because P. Zita liked it. I do see some of things that we discussed but this film was a really bad example of them. Everthing was too obvious.

My favorite film was "Little Miss Sunshine". Even though I had a likeness for the film before we watched it in class, I looked at it in a different way. I thought it was fun to draw paralells between this film and the other films that we watched. I really liked it because it wasn't just one or two people on the road, there were many people that were affected by the road trip. They were a family but they were all so different and came from different places. Each family member was affected in there own way but it brought them together as a cohesive unit. It was also interesting to see different genders, sexes, and ages being affected in the same film. It was a modern day road film

Posted by littlegreenapples at 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I loved you when I first saw you...

Dear Harry,

I should have told you when I first met you that I love you. I knew it right away. I have had some awful relationships in the past that still affect me. I realize that I make bad descions some times but I am prepared to deal with the outcomes. I take chances and I am learning to make the best out of what happens, good or bad. I have made some really bad choices as far as men. I do not always respect myself enough to choose a man that will respect me too. I give people the benefit of the doubt and put my faith in people and things because I am a loving person. I do not always put myself first though. I have been on the road for a long time now with Darly and I am starting to see things about myself that I never realized before. I know that I can do things on my own. I left everything that I knew behind. I left my lover, I left my home, I left my neighborhood. I went on the road with a total stranger and left my only family, my sister, behind. We have encountered a lot of strange things along the way. I now know that I am strong enough to handle anything. I am able to let people into my life and love them and trust them, I can also forgive them for mistakes they may make. I have learned to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. I got a job without any experience and I enjoy it so much. Darly and I have grown to respect and love one another as individuals. We have found ways to lift eachother up and support eachother when we are down. We have made friends with the locals, there are some boys that are helping us with the house. Speaking of the house, Darly and I have made such progress, we have walls! I would love to see you again. I was so surprised when you came to see me. Don't be long gone. We have a lot to talk about. I feel so comfortable with you and I know that you would never hurt me. Thanks for being there.

Sincerely, Marianne

Posted by littlegreenapples at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I loved you when I first saw you...

Dear Harry,

I should have told you when I first met you that I love you. I knew it right away. I have had some awful relationships in the past that still affect me. I realize that I make bad descions some times but I am prepared to deal with the outcomes. I take chances and I am learning to make the best out of what happens, good or bad. I have made some really bad choices as far as men. I do not always respect myself enough to choose a man that will respect me too. I give people the benefit of the doubt and put my faith in people and things because I am a loving person. I do not always put myself first though. I have been on the road for a long time now with Darly and I am starting to see things about myself that I never realized before. I know that I can do things on my own. I left everything that I knew behind. I left my lover, I left my home, I left my neighborhood. I went on the road with a total stranger and left my only family, my sister, behind. We have encountered a lot of strange things along the way. I now know that I am strong enough to handle anything. I am able to let people into my life and love them and trust them, I can also forgive them for mistakes they may make. I have learned to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. I got a job without any experience and I enjoy it so much. Darly and I have grown to respect and love one another as individuals. We have found ways to lift eachother up and support eachother when we are down. We have made friends with the locals, there are some boys that are helping us with the house. Speaking of the house, Darly and I have made such progress, we have walls! I would love to see you again. I was so surprised when you came to see me. Don't be long gone. We have a lot to talk about. I feel so comfortable with you and I know that you would never hurt me. Thanks for being there.

Sincerely, Marianne

Posted by littlegreenapples at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Harry,

I should have told you when I first met you that I love you. I knew it right away. I have had some awful relationships in the past that still affect me. I realize that I make bad descions some times but I am prepared to deal with the outcomes. I take chances and I am learning to make the best out of what happens, good or bad. I have made some really bad choices as far as men. I do not always respect myself enough to choose a man that will respect me too. I give people the benefit of the doubt and put my faith in people and things because I am a loving person. I do not always put myself first though. I have been on the road for a long time now with Darly and I am starting to see things about myself that I never realized before. I know that I can do things on my own. I left everything that I knew behind. I left my lover, I left my home, I left my neighborhood. I went on the road with a total stranger and left my only family, my sister, behind. We have encountered a lot of strange things along the way. I now know that I am strong enough to handle anything. I am able to let people into my life and love them and trust them, I can also forgive them for mistakes they may make. I have learned to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. I got a job without any experience and I enjoy it so much. Darly and I have grown to respect and love one another as individuals. We have found ways to lift eachother up and support eachother when we are down. We have made friends with the locals, there are some boys that are helping us with the house. Speaking of the house, Darly and I have made such progress, we have walls! I would love to see you again. I was so surprised when you came to see me. Don't be long gone. We have a lot to talk about. I feel so comfortable with you and I know that you would never hurt me. Thanks for being there.

Sincerely, Marianne

Posted by littlegreenapples at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Harry,

I should have told you when I first met you that I love you. I knew it right away. I have had some awful relationships in the past that still affect me. I realize that I make bad descions some times but I am prepared to deal with the outcomes. I take chances and I am learning to make the best out of what happens, good or bad. I have made some really bad choices as far as men. I do not always respect myself enough to choose a man that will respect me too. I give people the benefit of the doubt and put my faith in people and things because I am a loving person. I do not always put myself first though. I have been on the road for a long time now with Darly and I am starting to see things about myself that I never realized before. I know that I can do things on my own. I left everything that I knew behind. I left my lover, I left my home, I left my neighborhood. I went on the road with a total stranger and left my only family, my sister, behind. We have encountered a lot of strange things along the way. I now know that I am strong enough to handle anything. I am able to let people into my life and love them and trust them, I can also forgive them for mistakes they may make. I have learned to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. I got a job without any experience and I enjoy it so much. Darly and I have grown to respect and love one another as individuals. We have found ways to lift eachother up and support eachother when we are down. We have made friends with the locals, there are some boys that are helping us with the house. Speaking of the house, Darly and I have made such progress, we have walls! I would love to see you again. I was so surprised when you came to see me. Don't be long gone. We have a lot to talk about. I feel so comfortable with you and I know that you would never hurt me. Thanks for being there.

Sincerely, Marianne

Posted by littlegreenapples at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Overall I was quite disappointed like many others with Leaving the Normal. Being that our papers were based around this particular concept in terms of being disconnected with the road I was felt that more of a message could have been conveyed to the audience through the title.

After reflecting on the course of the semester I must say that my favorite road film including one of my favorite movies of all time still would have to be Little Miss Sunshine. The internal struggles that are occurring simultaneously and continuously colliding is constantly keeps me thinking in terms of connecting the characters to the concept of "leaving the normal." The end of the film brings about such a rewarding feeling showing that it is impossible to completely leave normality behind and emphasizing the strength and bond of family that is can be created despite differences and constant struggle. Through struggle we are capable of reaching stability in our lives.

Posted by Megatron at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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Dear Harry,
I should have told you when I first met you that I love you. I knew it right away. I have had some awful relationships in the past that still affect me. I realize that I make bad descions some times but I am prepared to deal with the outcomes. I take chances and I am learning to make the best out of what happens, good or bad. I have made some really bad choices as far as men. I do not always respect myself enough to choose a man that will respect me too. I give people the benefit of the doubt and put my faith in people and things because I am a loving person. I do not always put myself first though. I have been on the road for a long time now with Darly and I am starting to see things about myself that I never realized before. I know that I can do things on my own. I left everything that I knew behind. I left my lover, I left my home, I left my neighborhood. I went on the road with a total stranger and left my only family, my sister, behind. We have encountered a lot of strange things along the way. I now know that I am strong enough to handle anything. I am able to let people into my life and love them and trust them, I can also forgive them for mistakes they may make. I have learned to take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one. I got a job without any experience and I enjoy it so much. Darly and I have grown to respect and love one another as individuals. We have found ways to lift eachother up and support eachother when we are down. We have made friends with the locals, there are some boys that are helping us with the house. Speaking of the house, Darly and I have made such progress, we have walls! I would love to see you again. I was so surprised when you came to see me. Don't be long gone. We have a lot to talk about. I feel so comfortable with you and I know that you would never hurt me. Thanks for being there.

Sincerely, Marianne

Posted by littlegreenapples at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I wasn't quite sure how to feel about Leaving Normal. I thought the whole thing was kind of cheesy, especially the new family they formed at the end. I also wasn't sure about how to feel about the truck driver, I guess I wasn't sure about how neccesary it was. I also would have liked to find out about the daughter. This was certainly not my favorite road film of the year, it was belittled by Set it Off which was my personal favorite. I thought that it was an interesting exploration into the pressures of race and womanhood and it was one of the few movies that had a satisfying ending.
Hope you all have a wonderful time with finals! Thanks Professor Zita!

Posted by ninjasecret at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was an okay film. I honestly am having trouble even specifying the details of the movie even though I attentively watched the entire thing. I did find it kind of boring and slow at different parts.

I would have to say my all time favorite road film is a toss between "Set it Off" and "Easy Rider". I guess I enjoy the rebellious aspects of the road film. "Set it Off" demonstrates the oppression and struggle it takes to move up a class or try to make a better life for yourself when you live in the ghetto. I enjoyed the passion of these girls and the motive of the film. I also enjoyed "Easy Rider" because of the rebellious lifestyle Dwight and Billie choose to live out on the road, and the way in which society tries to place them back into society.

I loved this class! Thank you Prof Zita!

Posted by nels5199 at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was an okay film. It was a little long for me and there was nothing special about it. The writing was okay, the acting was fine, and the cinematography was good for the lower budget film. There were some really cheesey aspects the film. Such as, Sixty-Six and her getting engaged to a rich many after meeting him for only a few hours. However, I was happy that Marianne and Darlene were able to leave their bad habits behind them and find a home together in Alaska. Also, I liked how the film was left open ended. It is up to the viewer to decide the fate for both of these women, do Marianne and Harry ever meet again, and does Darlene ever get to see her daughter?
It is hard to pick just one film from the entire semester that I liked best. Of course, Little Miss Sunshine is up there because it is so typical of every family and a person can easily relate to it. Set if Off was also one of my favorite because it focused on the minorities in America and showed the struggle that people go through just to survive day by day. Easy Rider was also very good, even though it downplays women but it really shows the focus of the film industry in 1960s. Finally, Thelma and Louise just broke all the rules and really set up a new set of characters for women. Overall, I really enjoyed this semester and all of the wonderful films we got to explore.

Posted by Susie Q at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was alright. I liked Darly more but i suppose from a critical standpoint maryanne was a more interesting character. My favorite quote was "Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you're not in the same goddamn place." Which is easy to identify with. I'm glad we didnt see Darly's daughter come back, that would have been too predictable, and I'm glad that Maryanne didnt leave with what's-his-face truck driver dude, because she had finally received some sort of independence.

I think I liked Boys on The Side best. I really do enjoy seeing abusive men get beat up and love the idea of them dying at the hands of their victims, as cruel as it sounds. but I was abused by an ex and i wish it was as easy to just run away. Some of us dont have people to save us from that position. Anyway, the characters werent stagnant, and their "growth" i felt was less cheesy than in some of the other films. Jane wasnt so much a bulldyke as she was just a strong woman. While Robin's character was exaggerated in the beginning, she was fun and multidimensional from a closer inspection, and as the film progressed without implying that all it was was the other girls rubbing off on her. I'd watch it again.

Posted by Bob Dole at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I really did enjoy Leaving Normal. I enjoyed the inevitable, yet hard at times friendship that was formed. I enjoyed the adventure that the women let themselves take, despite the many setbacks (physical and mental). I enjoyed the family and love that was found through their journey to Alaska and beyond. I thought the movie was great.

My favorite movie we watched this semester is Priscilla: Queen of the Desert! This film has stuck out in my mind since we have watched it. I cannot really pinpoint what it is that I love so much about it. Maybe it is that the drag queens find community in this harsh world. Maybe its that they find companionship in their own kin. Maybe its that ultimately they rely on each other for their immense support. I love the characters development, especially Ticks. One of my favorites!

Posted by believer. at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm fairly certain I liked Leaving Normal, despite the fact that I found a lot of the plot points predictable (Let's do everything in our power to get to a house in Alaska we've never seen and can only assume is there! Nothing can go wrong!) and some of the characters' traits irritated me--Darly's negativity about small-town life and Marianne's innocent assumption that Darly wouldn't mind their "leaving money" being used for flowers and a porch swing, for example. The dialogue and the plot could have been better, but I still enjoyed watching the film. The relationship between Darly and Marianne actually illustrated what Robin tried to explain while on the stand in Boys on the Side when talking about relationships between women. Darly met Marianne on a bus bench in the middle of the night, yet was perfectly willing to take her on the road the next day with very few questions and with a certain amount of instant loyalty.

My favorite film this semester was Little Miss Sunshine, which was one of my favorites anyway, but it was interesting to watch it in the context of the "normal" American family and the roles the Hoovers were trying to play throughout their journey. I enjoyed watching the film through a different lens and actually thinking about the underlying issues (as opposed to just laughing).

Posted by ristee at 8:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was totally sweet and awesome. Marianne was as cute as a button and completely hurtled forward with the mindset of a child. Charles Baudelaire once said that "genius is no more than childhood recaptured at will," and since he's always right, that must make Meg Tilly the genius to end all geniuses. I thought it was hilarious how goofy and mean Darly could be, and I completely relished the moment of B.S. when the two ladies had an argument because, basically, the plot said they should. That sort of thing is great. Also, it was cool how the Alaskan boy with the long hair dressed exactly like a modern day hipster would, with Converse All-Stars, tight jeans, etc. all hitting the obligatory hipster checklist. Plus, Edward Zwick went on to direct The Last Samurai, starring none other than my hero, Tom Cruise! I don't understand all the hate this movie's getting from the other bloggers. Come on, lighten up, people! Ed Solomon wrote this! If you had known that he also wrote Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, Super Mario Bros., and Charlie's Angels, you totally would have jumped on the Leaving Normal bandwagon. Leaving Normal is an unbelievably mellifluous movie, obviously.

The best movie this semester was easily Vagabond. It was the only film we watched that utilized sophisticated techniques and that actually did anything interesting. Nothing else we watched and listened to was remotely near the thematic league that Vagabond was riffing on. What a complex, meaningful choice for this class. It's a keeper, for sure.

Bye, everybody!

Posted by pete5676 at 2:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Leaving Normal" was a ok film. I thought Darly's character was really funny, and entertaining, though her character does get a little too much to handle towards the end. Her sarcastic and dark view of the world gets to be too much by the end. I do not like Marianne's character at all. I had no interest in her, and was not invested in what happened to her. The film was funny at times, but just something about the story (maybe that it is somewhat conservative) made me lose interest.

My favorite movie, if I had to chose, would be "Set It Off." I thought it was a really funny movie, and it was also full of excitement and violence; therefore really entertaining. I also liked that the story touched on a lot of different issues, like sexuality, motherhood, poverty, racism, urban life, violence, etc. Though the movie did not really look at all these factors in depth, just by bringing them up within the story, made me as a spectator conscious and thoughtful of those issues.

The representation of lesbianism was far from perfect. Cleo is stereotypically butch, and very masculine. She has a girly, feminine girlfriend. Their power dynamic is quite exagerated, with Cleo always the one in command and control, and Cleo's girlfriend never even speaking. Yet, Cleo's sexuality is not presented as something negative of her personality; we don't like her less because of it. Though, her friends seem a little homophobic at first, they somewhat non-chalantly accept her sexuality later on.

The presentation of other racial, social and emotional factors is similar to the representation of Cleo's sexuality. The movie may even suffer from trying to tackle too many subjects to actually cover them all in depth. The characters are female, black, poor, one is a mother, one is a sister, one is a lesbian. Even though the movie fails to properly handle all these characteristics, the fact that they are present makes the representation more well-rounded and more true to life. Life is complicated, there are many factors that play a role in every individual's life; "Set it off" presents this complexity within a funny and entertaining film.

Posted by whoa at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was a film that was mediocre for me. It ranked right in the middle of all the others that we have watched throughout this course. I could relate to the characters (Darly more than Maryanne) but I did not enjoy the storyline. The reason why I could relate to both is because there are times when things just go wrong, one after another, and there just does not seem like anything will go well again. Like Darly (when her car got trashed) I would really try to remain optimistic but that last event, the one that breaks me, will cause me to give up all hope for everything else. Maryanne plays that side where she accepts things as they are, whether good or bad. Even when Maryanne had no other place to go but to stay with her sister and accept whatever plans her sister had made for her, she accepted that outcome. It was obvious that Maryanne was not happy staying with her sister but she did not express that dislike. Maryanne was not the one to scream and yell out of anger or frustration, but Darly changed that. There was a scene where Maryanne was seen calling for her wedding ring back, it was a shock because she was screaming and demanding. Overall it was a good movie but probably not one that I would go rent.
My favorite film out all the ones we watched in this course was Little Miss Sunshine. It was the only film that I liked all of the characters. It is probably a film that I would watch over again in my spare time.

Posted by Lulu at 10:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal was a movie that captured the intensity of a friendship that can develop suddenly and without cause between two women. Although I believed that parts of the movie were too cliched to be really enjoyable some portions of the film were, in my opinion, well done. The interplay between MaryAnn and Darly was perfect at times. For example when Darly reveals that she abandoned her baby shortly after its birth MaryAnn has to reconcile that new information with the little history she has with Darly. Their friendship is not based on a long history of trust and friendship. That means in one way their friendship is fragile. But this move ends up demonstrating that their friendship is the most important thing they have and the most certain thing that they trust about themselves -- that they are there for each other even when the rest of the world does not care.

My favorite film this semester was Little Miss Sunshine. I thought it painted a wonderful picture of the way American families can be dysfunctional and beautiful at the same time. The characters int he movie were not successful representations of what society expects of "dad" "mom" "grandfather" and "daughter." But the characters were so full of life and desire and desperation that they were lovable and worthy of respect despite their faults. That is an important message to send. At the same time the movie was a lot of fun.

Posted by Alex M. at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I would have to say that I didn't particularly enjoy Leaving Normal. To me it seemed like the film just wasn't believable enough; I couldn't relate to the characters at all because their actions and the plot didn't seem possible. I felt like Darly and Marianne befriended each other too quickly and easily; maybe it would have made sense if they had been friends, and known each other, like Thelma and Louise, before heading out for Alaska. They're sudden pairing-up with each other seemed a little too convenient for me.

My favorite film of the class is probably Boys on the Side. I liked this film in largely because of the lead actresses, as well as the intriguing plot. It threw me for a loop when Mary-Louise Parker's character was revealed to have AIDS, which really made the plot interesting to me. I also felt that the film was very empowering for women and that that was a welcome thing to see in a film, especially as it had non-negative portrayals of lesbians.

Posted by Emma Zoch at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I didn't enjoy Leaving Normal as much as other films we've watched this semester. I felt that the characters weren't very well developed, and Maryanne particularly bugged me. She didn't seem believable to me. Clearly she is a dreamer at heart, but I didn't feel any sense of understanding or reality in her character. Darly on the other hand was well played in my opinion. Her emotions felt real and i felt i could relate to her unlike Maryanne. The plot also seemed a little dull to me. Perhaps because after watching thrillers like Thelma and Louise and Set it Off there wasn't as much going on.

My favorite film that we watched this semester was Thelma and Louise. While it certainly could be judged/viewed as a male bashing film, it exerted a sense of female empowerment that made me walk away feeling satisfied and proud to be a woman. I love Susan Sarandon as an actress in general, therefore i was a slight bit partial to the film as well. It was a fun and interesting film to simply watch for surface value and entertainment, however i really enjoyed the analytical opportunities it offered as well.

Posted by sigmundfreud at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal didn’t strike me as a very developed film. I appreciated it because I took into general society and the time in which this film was written into account. With that being said the plot was generic to me; that could also be because of the order in which we watched the films throughout the semester. Films that we’ve watched previously that also had dealings in women on the road left a much more multi-dimensional taste with me. I was indifferent to Marianne and where she had come from—which was really unfortunate.

Favorite road film as I’m sure many would say would be Thelma & Louise. It’s the ultimate “women on the road� film; working with multiple references and layers that allude to societal situations. Gina and Susan, as brilliant as they are, truly make connecting with the film an eye opener for people who are unaware of the underlying meanings of ‘road films’. And for those that are familiar with certain characteristics of road films are then taken for a real invasive ride with these females. Overall script is well done and artistic direction of film goes where it needs to go in order to make this story of these two women entirely believable. I lovezzzz it.

Posted by muen0036 at 8:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks for playing along. It's been fun. Love, Thelma.

Posted by Jenny at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I worry I am becoming like you.

Dear Darryl,
I'm so grateful I got away. The truth is that I never should have put up with it as long as I did. Now Louise and I are on the road and I am finally free. I'm doing things now that I never could have done when I was stuck in that stupid kitchen. Even if they might be things I shouldn't have done. It feels great to get revenge on all the people who have ever done me or Louise or any woman wrong.

I worry though that we might not be as powerful as we think. Is this really the best way for women to express their newly found power? Is violence ever the answer? People seem pretty shocked when two women pull up to rob a conveinence store and shoot a man in a bar parking lot... but is that the best way to draw attention to women? Do we really want to take control of our lives the same way men do in movies? A part of me worries that I'm falling into a rabbit hole like the one I saw in you.

I have a few regrets. But they couldn't outweigh the thrills. Life is so exciting without you.

Posted by Courtney at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I really enjoyed the film, Leaving Normal. At the beginning of the film, I wasn't so sure. It started out slowly and a bit boring, but towards the end I really had a sense of the characters and how they were feeling and what was best for them. I would consider this movie one of the top five of the semester but my ultimate favorite would have to be Boys on the Side. Any film that can move me to tears is a good film in my book. I loved the different characters in the film and how they all had different goals in their lives but they all took the same road to reach their individual goals. I also liked the emphasis on female friendships in the film, which seems to be a recurring theme throughout female road films. There wasn't a film I didn't enjoy this semester. Thanks.

Posted by bella at 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Fellow Grace Lee's,

I have set out on the journey of my name 'Grace Lee' and there are many more of us out there. My question was considering the stereotypes of Asian-American women, particularly those named Grace Lee, however, I learned much more than I was bargaining for. We are almost all first generation Asian Americans, we represented the American dream for our parents. They wanted us to become what America means. They wanted us to become Grace Kelly. We have all failed our parents. Is your loyalty to your parents strong enough to accept this failure?

-Grace Lee

Posted by cici at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So "Leaving Normal" was a horrid movie. Horrid. The character that was really pale with black hair has got to be one of the least convincing actresses I've ever seen. The characters in general, with the exception of the wild child, were totally cheesy and easy to predict. The wild child woman, though, made me laugh and made me cry and made me feel what she felt. She did an excellent job at portraying her character and the only part of the mocie I liked was her and her wit. This movie had a cool theme, almost, but the way in which the characters interacted with each other just made me sick. I see myself in the wild child woman and it made me happy to see that someone, whather fake or real, had the same ideas and mentality as me. I most likely would recommend this movie to others just so that I could watch it with them and rip on the pale chick that always runs away. Not my favorite movie (as if the other ones were good) but whatever.

Posted by ZoraMonkey at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I wish I pushed down harder, longer, again

So I really don't know what to write on here. It was knid of unclear, so I'll just talk about this postcard. It would be made by Frank Ginsberg (the scholar who tried to kill himself in Little Miss Sunshine) and directed to his ex-boyfriend/student. I chose this because the look on his face when he saw this man again in the gas station was incredibly profounded and saddened, especially when he began talking about his new boyfriend. I think in the enitre movie Frank acted like he was happy to be alove and well, even though he wasn't a couple months before that. In this postcard I tried to imagine what he was thinking at the gas station and put it into words. I think that regarding that aspect of his life, he was ready to drop dead and die during the entire movie but he just didn't show it. This is what he is really thinking. He really did want to die because his emotional life, his love life, and his social life might now and forevermore be scarred. This is what he would send to his ex or maybe just send it out to anybody. Poor guy.

Posted by ZoraMonkey at 2:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although I found the story line of Leaving Normal to not be as strong as many of the other films we have watched in class, I like the message I received from it. I have noticed from my own experiences traveling that the journey often begins because of a feeling of needing to leave the everyday routine and doing something different, but then it ends with a feeling of wanting to return and a sense of comfort. Leaving Normal reminded me of how the road can often provide appreciate for the things that we have and for who we are, which I think has been represented in each film that we have watched in some way.

One of my favorite films that we watched in class was The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert because I think that it is one film I would have ever been exposed to had I not taken this course. I like how it incorporates diverse personalities and perspectives with the road being what brings them together. I also find the film to be very forward thinking in the way they depict family and what some people would call alternative life styles. The way in which each individual experiences the road is different along with what they gain from, which I find to be a very realistic interpretation and allows viewers to learn about how the word affects others like and unlike themselves.

Posted by Gertrude at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am not sorry I got away.

Dear Detective Strode,

The day you saw me on the bus I am thankful that you let me leave. I know that you may not have fully understood our choices we had made, but I was that glad you fairly understood the issues and situation with my brother’s death and the follow in the bank robberies I had been involved with. I made a promise to my girls that I will continue on my journey. Please understand that my girls and I have encountered different issues in society coming from the urban community. Having people who always looked down on all of us is not a good feeling and the unjustness of my brother's death and what my friends had went through.

Through my journey, I finally see that you realized the reason for what my friends and I have done what we did. I have come to terms of my brother's death and what my friends have done for me. The experience and memories with my friends will always be remembered. I will always miss them. Through this all getting away has given me a better life.

Sincerely,
Stony

Posted by tranx246 at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Keith,
I am so sorry for what I have done. Every day, I am reminded of the things I have lost. I just read a quote the other day by Katherine Mansfield. She said, “Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it; it's only for wallowing in.� I don’t think this will ever be relevant for my situation. I suppose I am and always will be an “appalling waste of energy� because I can never forgive myself for what I have done, nor can I forget. I am struggling every day with the choices that I made. Some people say that you should never regret and that you should simply learn from your mistakes. Once one door shuts, another one opens. I don’t know if that next door will ever open. I feel like I am stuck between two closed doors, all alone with a pile of money and a heap of regret. How did I let things get so bad? What was I thinking? Why didn’t I stop Frankie and Cleo, especially after T.T. died? I should have done something! I wish I knew then, what I know now. Things would have eventually gotten better for me. I had you, three amazing friends, support, opportunities, freedom and a home. I should have realized that those things would get me through the rough times. There was another way out for me, (and things apparently could have been a lot worse…like they are now), I just could not see through the storm to a brighter day. I have lost everything, you, my wonderful friends and my family, all for something I thought was so important at the time. Somehow, doing what we did felt like the only option. Now I live every day not only with regret, but with pain and loneliness, all of which I completely deserve. I have lost you and I can never come back. I am so sorry for doing what I did, I never had dreamed it would have gone this far. I miss you.
Love Always, Stoney

Posted by Holly Golightly at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I didn't not like Leaving Normal. I thought the characters where very one dimentional, the writing was incredibly bad (I understand that parts were supposed to be cliché), and the stories that were constructed seemed incredibly inconsequential and bland. The main character, Marianne, had this supposedly strange and influential back story, yet I feel I don't understand what happened at all. How long was she even with her abusive husband? Christine Lahti, whom I have enjoyed in other shows, was able to bring punch-up the humor a little bit, but still, I felt all of the comedy was incredibly stressed. In the end, I didn't care about who was doing what, where the baby was, if Marianne will get with Harry (Who plays a super creepy guy in Twin Peaks!), or what will happen to their lives.

My favorite film would probably be Priscilla, Queen of the Desert for many reasons. I felt it was an incredibly well thought out story, and used many interesting actors (action stars!). Many of the scenes in the film are very memorable and used great cinematography. I think as well, the story never treaded into dubious water in regards to drag queens, homosexuality, and sexism.

Posted by tris0020 at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I hate using the word fake, but that's what it is. Something unreal. Something rather unauthentic. Maybe that isn't how I see it, but the world does. Is a person still a performer when what they are playing feels more real than their true life? Do my friends understand? This face I put on, the clothes I wear, the person I am when I'm all dressed up is something so far from "fake" that I worry.

Posted by tris0020 at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

forgive me....i couldn't save you

Mona~

I am so sorry. I couldn't save you. I should have told you never to leave, to stay where it was warm, and where you knew the world and the world knew you. I couldn't stop you from giving up everything you had worked for to become and do nothing. I should have kept your wandering spirit from leaving, or at least gotten you to take up the farmer's offer so you could create a new life that was somewhat stable.All I wanted was for you to be happy. Safe and happy, and I failed. I should have warned you about the drinking, drugs, and men. I should have told you you'd go hungry and thirsty and every day the world would be a little more threatening. I should have made you realize that what you were leaving for was not worth your spirit, or your life.
But I couldnt, and i didn't.
Please, please forgive me.

~Mona

Posted by palm0361 at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I didn't enjoy the film Leaving Normal. It felt so contrived and fake to me. I can't quite pinpoint if it was the script or the acting that didn't work for me, but I just didn't care about the characters. In a film like this, I should be routing for them to figure everything out, but I just kept hoping that they would make up their minds and hurry things along. There wasn't any real depth to the characters, so I had a lot of trouble connecting with them. My favorite film this year has been Straight Story. I loved the simplicity of this movie. My reaction to it was completely the opposite of Leaving Normal. I really cared about what happened to the characters here. I wanted him to be able to see his brother so badly and became really invested in his story. It was a beautiful movie which I really want to see again.

Posted by orour078 at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is my greatest accomplishment.

Climbing the mountain with you has been my greatest accomplishment for multiple reasons. First of all, I had both of your support. Also, I wouldn't have been able to climb this mountain without Benji accepting me. I truly felt that it would work out between us as father and son right before we decided to conquer one of your goals Felicia. As for you Bernadette, you were such as essential part of our trio. You were the one that kept us both in check and were our constant rock. Thank you for being the one I can truly confide in. Felicia, thank you for your never ending silliness you strange girl. You take care of Benji so well and really acclimated him to our ways. He truly feels at home with us now.

Thank you girls for conquering so many obstacles and so many hardships but also creating so many hilaaarious memories. Climbing this mountain was the manifestation of our final journey. You rock girls.

Posted by believer. at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I know what beauty means now.

I was so mad at you Cindy when you got Olive involved in these beauty pageants. As if little girls don't have enough criticism to deal with, and unrealistic beauty standards being thrown at them, but these pageants are really the worst. I was afraid for her. I saw the girls that she would be competing against, and I knew that she would have no chance. But then I saw her on that stage, and I realized something. I realized that she is the most beautiful little girl in the whole world. She may not be the kind of girl who will win beauty pageants, but that is because her beauty in immeasurable... it is beyond comparison. So I wanted to thank you Cindy. If you had never started this beauty pageant thing, I might never have realized how truly beautiful and wonderful my daughter really is. You helped bring my family together and make us closer than we have ever been before. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world because it taught me so much about myself and my family. We are all beautiful in our own ways, and I'm glad I finally learned to see that.
Love,
Sheryl

Posted by orour078 at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I enjoyed the film Leaving Normal, but it wasn’t my favorite film of the semester. I thought it presented an uplifting view of life; the way everything happened for a reason and it all fit together. It emphasized the idea that we’re all constantly trying our hardest to control the many aspects of our life and direct it to where we want it to be, and in doing this we’re actually missing out on what’s happening at the moment. I liked that everything came together in the film, and although it was fairly predictable, I was relieved to find that it had a happy ending. The characters were very interesting. They represented many extremes, and it was interesting to watch them all interact.

My favorite film of the semester was Little Miss Sunshine. However, that was my favorite movie before I took this class. As far as new movies go, my favorite was Thelma and Louise. I had heard about it before because it’s so iconic, and I’m glad I finally got the chance to see it.

Posted by Beyonce at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"I need you to know how much this changed me."

Cheryl,

I need you to know how much this trip changed me, for the better. When you picked me up from the hospital, I didn't want to go home with you. I didn't want to be around your 'normal' family and your irritatingly motivated husband. I really did just want to be left alone, maybe to try to kill myself again, maybe not. But you forced me into your world, and I want to say thank you. I hadn't seen Olive and Dwayne in so long, and I had forgotten that RIchard's dad was living with you. I was unprepared for the overstimulation of Olive's questions and dogged determination to win a beauty pageant. Dwayne's silence caught me off guard, but I grew to appreciate how he could say so much with his silence and hastily scribbled words on his notepad. He was just who I needed to be around to allow myself to get over my experience and move on.

I know this trip didn't turn out like anyone planned, with Grandpa dieing, the bus breaking down, and being banned from all California beauty contests, but it was exactly what I needed to start living again. It was what I needed to pull me out of my stuffy academic world of Praust and gay love intrigues and into something that mattered so much more, family. So thank you Cheryl, for being a good sister and unwilling to give up on me. I'll go on another road trip with you guys any day.

Frank

Posted by goldie at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"I fear that I have failed you as a mother..."

Dwayne,

I worry that you feel that I have not done my job as mother. Dwayne, I know that when your father and I got divorced that it tore you apart. I know that you feel that I stopped trying to keep our family together as one but I knew we could be happy and become stronger as mother and son once he was out of our lives. You try to appear so strong and you are truly an amazing you man but I wish that you would talk to me, open up to me. Although it is not the cool thing to do to have heart to hear talks with your mother being that you are reaching adulthood but I can listen and will never judge and always respect you. I am so proud of your quest to become a pilot and know that despite the challenges you might face in life that you have the perseverance to overcome. As for your relationship with Richard, I know he can be difficult at times and if he were to ever upset you I would hop that you could come to me and talk to me about your frustrations. You are my son first and foremost, the light of my life and I will always put you and Olive first you are my number one priority. Understand that I do love Richard and he is Olive's father and she cares for him deeply as well. Please try and respect him even though I know it may be challenging sometimes but all I ask is that you humor me and try. I love you Dwayne and am so proud of the young man that you are turning into, you have an amazing heart and a brillant mind and I know that life will take you far, I simply hope that I will always be able to be apart of it.

Love,
Mom

Posted by Megatron at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanks for playing along. It's been fun. Love, Thelma.

Posted by Jenny at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You deserved better.

To my daughter,
I'm sorry for abandoning you at the hospital after I gave birth to you. I want you to know that I love you very much and I think of you every day. There is no excuse for what I did, but I want you to know that I did it because I thought I wouldn’t be good enough for you. You deserved better than what I could offer and I was terrified that I would fail as your mother. I've never succeeded at anything in my life, so I thought this would be no different. I know it may seem like I took something away from you by giving you up, but in my mind I felt like I was giving you a chance. Some days I feel like I made the right decision, but I will never know for sure. I hope you had a mother while you grew up; one that was never a topless dancer, one that had a better job than waitressing at a bar, and one that could teach you how to find and keep a relationship.
I just want you to know that I didn’t leave you because I didn’t love you; I left you because I loved you so much that I wanted to give you a chance.

Please forgive me,
Darly

Posted by Beyonce at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I ALWAYS FAKED IT

Dear Darryl,

What we had wasn't love. Hell, it wasn't even a marriage. I gave you so many years of my life and I thought that I was living the way I was supposed to. But I don't deserve to be treated the way you treat me. And you don't deserve me. I found someone else that makes me feel like the person I should be. It's Louise. I don't need a man to make me feel like a true woman. Louise understands me in a way only another woman can. Woman are beautiful creatures who need room to breathe and explore. You can't expect me to just sit around and clean and cook. I'm a human being just like you. So as far as I'm concerned Darryl, you can go fuck yourself. But if you do it like you fucked me... I'm sure it won't be any good.

Goodbye,
Thelma

Posted by releasethekraken at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I really enjoyed the movie Leaving Normal. At first I didn't think that I would like it because Marianne just seemed like a bad character but as the film went on she kind of becomes endearing. I think the favorite part about the movie though was Darly. I just loved her attitude throughout the movie. She came across as sort of a badass but then we see at certain times that she is sensitive and her badassness is just an cover. I think that the storyline is great and how they meet all these people along the way. And unlike many of the movies that we have watched throughout the semester, this one had a happy ending!
I think that my favorite movie from the entire semester would be Boys on the Side. It truly is a wonderful road movie. I really liked how all the characters interacted with one another. They were basically strangers but set out on the road together across the United States. Each one of the characters also had their own issues but they became such good friends even though they were all very different. The movie in itself really makes you believe that good things are going to happen to these 3 ladies. Unlike the other films that we watched, I just waited for the ending to come but for this film I really wanted there to be a happy ending. In a way there was even though it was also a little sad. The characters in the film are very endearing and so I think thats what really made me appreciate and enjoy the movie.

Posted by Irelandfanatic at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Darryl,
Guess what I did? Or who, might be a better question. Let me tell you, it was worth every cent he stole from me, but you, you definatly were not worth the freedom that you stole from me. I am finally free without you. You were always free, me at home and you off with your other women doing whatever you wanted. I was always too scared of what you would do if I left, you always dictated my life. First when I started off on this roadtrip Louise just replaced you in the dictatorship but I finally found my power, finally got laid properly and now I am finally free. No one can control me now, no one or no thing. Even death cannot stop the power that I have found within myself. I can't believe that I let you treat me that way for so long, but I didn't think that I had a choice. Now I know that in your life you always have a choice, I hope that you know this too and in the future you will choose not to be such a prick. I don't feel bad about cheating on you, in fact, I liked it.
-Thelma

Posted by ninjasecret at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've missed you.

Dear Lyle

It has been a long time since we've seen each other or even talked to one another. After hearing that you were ill, I didn't know whether you would be alive the next time I wanted to see you. I decided to put the past behind me and swallow my pride to come visit you. Its been foolish all these years that we've wasted not spending time with one another, not seeing our children and grandchildren grow up together. Many times over the years I've wanted to spend time with you like we did when we were young. Unfortunately, we are both two stubborn old men who like to think we are always right. I've been traveling for a few days now and I've met some interesting folks along the way. I've realized by talking with them just how much you mean to me and how much I've missed you. I've learned a lot about myself and also realized how foolish I have been to avoid you all these years. I hope that you can accept me coming to visit so we can become brothers again like in the old days. We don't have much time left together due to our age so I want to make the most of the time we do have. We have a lot of catching up to do. I hope that we can be the brothers we used to be. I'll see you in a few days.

Your one and only brother
Alvin

Posted by Irelandfanatic at 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm sorry I made you a woman.

Dear precious Olive,

I have done a lot of bad things in my life, and made a lot of mistakes that I have now come to realize. The worst may be the things that I did to you. You are my granddaughter, and I should have respected you and loved you unconditionally. Instead I fear my effect on your life will be negative. I want you to know that I love you a whole lot. That is why I am writing to you. I am sorry for taking your childhood and ripping it away. I am sorry that I made you a woman, long before you should ever have had to become one. Your parents trusted me to take care of you, mentor you and love you. I failed them, and I failed you. I only hope that you can forgive me for the mistakes I made with you, and the pain that I caused you. I think you are strong enough to make it through the pain, suffering and danger that I caused you. I will have to live with the conscious that I took a child and tore the childhood away from her. Now that I am away from you, and you are growing, I hope that I have not scarred your life.

Your Grandpa.

Posted by whoa at 6:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daniel,

You fool, I could've done better. Your musings on "free love". It was all a lie to get me to share those strange, technicolor love moments with you. Death has made me realize that you were not my answer-- that rebellion isn't the only thing that keeps you alive. It obviously wasn't for me.

Never Yours Again (Ever),
Rebecca

Posted by magatron at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Mom, Richard, and Frank,
I already apologized for the things I said when I was upset, but I'm still sorry. I was so sick of trying to fit into this cookie-cutter, picture-perfect, all-American family. I just wanted to be left alone, to do my own thing and chase my own dreams. I could see Mom trying to be someone she wasn't, sneaking cigarettes in the car and playing the cheerful pageant mom she would never be. Richard was selling a plan for success, playing a "winner" when he was just as big a loser as the rest of us with his failed 12-step program. Frank tried to kill himself over a failed relationship and a professional rivalry. I didn't want to be part of that mess, and when my dream was ruined, I wanted everybody else to feel it, too, because I felt like all your failures dragged me down. We aren't some perfect American family--surprise! You might not be perfect (and neither am I), but you're my family. I'm sorry I blamed you for what happened, and that I turned on you when I was angry and frustrated. Like Frank told me, I can't sleep through my suffering--and I can't fly away from it either, and I know that now.
Love,
Dwayne

Posted by ristee at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My road was never an open one.
Riding with aimless mobility. Eh. I guess I never really even rode.
My pathway was a much slower, circular walking pace.
David, I’m still thinking of you.

Hear this>>I had to get away. Couldn’t stay in that woman’s house any longer—even wound up next to you. Canned dinners and blankets. You wanted me for sex anyway. I guess now I know this. Doesn’t matter.. I knew I told you I was lonely. Disgusting how sex can keep feelings of solitude behind a back door or something like that.

Hear this>>I run for high moments both in and away from isolation.
I’m still running for and from it.

I camped out last night and could feel the frost building in thick of the fields. Winter’s coming and I don’t think walking will be much more of an issue for me.
You’re still an issue and I loathe it.
Briefly affixed I guess we were.
What is a difference of love and friendliness?
I think of you all the time.
There is you near me all the time.
And I just need to get gone.

Mona

Posted by muen0036 at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I wasn't a huge fan of Leaving Normal, I thought the film was ironically...normal. Average. Plain. Two women band together, leaving abusive males behind them, as they navigate typical road obstacles that women face en route to self discovery. Almost as though the movie's been done before, except...with plausible characters, and plot development.

Marianne is very quiet, reserved, and passive. In the end she ends up opening up to the public when she's working at the hardware store and teaching the Alaskan natives how to read, and even fell in love with a trucker. This didn't get as much focus as the predictable plot that was entirely overdrawn. A few minutes in, the parallel to Thelma & Louise was evident, and I had pegged everything about the two characters. Their actions and reactions were predictable. The obscure characters they met (...66. Yeah, what?) tried their best to be extreme, but the downfall was once again predictability. I just found it difficult to really enjoy a film that was both bland and predictable.

--

My favorite film this semester was Little Miss Sunshine, but it was already a favorite movie of mine. Because of that, the movie I enjoyed the most was Adventures of Priscilla. The flamboyant women in the film were entertaining, from their feuds among one another to the way they handled homophobia. There were personal side plots that helped extend the action beyond the matters directly at hand.

Besides the action and characters in the movie, I think I enjoyed it more than others simply because it brought back fond memories of last summer. The entire drag scene was fantastic, and something I can comically relate to, though that might be a different blog entry in itself.

Posted by ryanx422 at 9:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Lucas,

You know how we planned to be pilots together? Well it looks like you're going to be doing it alone. The reason is because I just found out that I'm color blind. You can't be a f****** pilot if you're f****** color blind. The ironic thing is, it took my little sister to find this out. There she is, just showing me a stupid card, and I can't read it. Why? Because it's written in color, and I can't distinguish those stupid colors. Our dream of becoming pilots has been shattered. I wish I had just found this out earlier so then I wouldn't have wasted all my time just dreaming of something that I can never have. What's so great about flying anyway? I mean, sure, you get to fly a great plane, you get a bunch of benefits... I'm sure the flight attendants are hot... but beyond that, there's really nothing in it. No... If I want to fly, I'm going to fly. I'm going to do what I love, and I'm going to FIND a way to do it. I don't care how or why. If I have to steal someone else's eyesight I'll do it... well, maybe not to that extant... but you know what I mean.

Dwayne

Posted by Goong at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Personally, I didn't really like the film Leaving Normal. I thought a lot of the film was overly sentimental and kitschy. The themes were bludgeoning me in almost every scene: cosmic perspective, life as series of events that lead you were you are meant to go, love conquers all, ect. Though I wasn't really into the film as a whole, I really liked Darlene as a character and thought she was the most "real" person in the piece. A quote from the film that really rang true for me was "Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you're not in the same place." I think that quote is very true - many people believe that running away from your problems will make them go away, but ultimately, it just creates more or intensifies the current ones. The ideas the film explores are deep, but they are handled so poorly and unrealistically, I tuned them out about 3/4 of the way through. Overall, I would say it was okay, though I don't think I'll watch it again unless it is for a good laugh.

My favorite film of the class that I hadn't seen before would be Thelma and Louise. I had heard a lot about the film, but never rented it. I enjoyed the movement of the storyline and the empowering female message. I also thought the film aesthetic value of the film was high; the overall filming technique and the all-star cast made it amazing. I also enjoyed Little Miss Sunshine, which was one of my favorite movies before seeing it in class. The dark humor is amazing and I love Abigail Breslin!

Posted by Rita Racine at 8:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Stony:

I want you to know being with you was not some novelty of insight into your different world. The horrible things from which I've been protected as an upper class man were all too present in your life. I may not be able to fully understand what you've been through, but i do understand why you did what you did. I know you weren't trying to hurt me. Society was hurting you and you felt you had to leave. But just because people will assume you are guilty no matter what you do does not mean you have to be helpless in fulfilling the stereotype. I wanted to protect you, but now I realize you didn't want to be protected. I hope things are different wherever you are now, and you don't have to run anymore.
If you ever want to see me again, I'll be waiting.

Love,
Keith

Posted by Bob Dole at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like I've done one thing good with my life...

A wise man once told you "Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don't even try." Not only did you try, but you performed your heart out. You're all winners in my book, it's about fucking time. There isn't much I could be proud of in my life, still my only regret is not being around to see the one good cause I've been part of. The way you came together as a family made me forget about that goddamned fucking chicken for a few minutes. Olive you can thank me later for the dance routine, and the rest of you do whatever or whoever the fuck you want. And if I can make one last request, do something a little fucking worthwhile with my dead body; skip the funeral. Use it as a halloween decoration for all I care, just try and make me proud one more time.

Posted by ryanx422 at 8:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I really enjoyed watching

Leaving Normal.

My favorite film this semester was

Boys on the Side

Little Miss Sunshine

Boys on the Side

Posted by felicia at 8:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To my dearest Sis

When I thought that the whole world has turned their back on me, it was you who was there for me. I know that mom and dad died when I was young, but I never felt their love missing. Because you were always there for me. You took the position of mom and dad to me. To me, you are my mom, you are my dad. No matter what trouble we went through, we have overcome it. I know that it was my dream, your dream and our dream for me to go to UCLA and get a degree. I know that I was your only hope in getting us out of this hood. The next thing that I am going to announce is going to be really hard for me to say as well as for you to hear it. Sis, I got rejected from UCLA. They didn't accept my application. I am sorry that because of me, You and we aren't able to accomplish our dreams. But, I promise that I will never stop trying. I will study harder. I will try to get a job and attend a technical college. And then, I will apply again to a technical college. I hope that we will get through this together. Because together we can come over this obstacle.

your loving lil brother

Stevie

Posted by Sakina at 7:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Mona,
When you entered my car I was at a loss for words. I did not know where you came from, how you got there and why you looked so raggedy. You offered me no answers nor did you have any interest in conversing. Quite frankly I did not want much to do with you other than take you where you needed to go. After spending time with you I realized how much I had a need to watch out for you. You were just a stranger, yet I felt like you were my own lost daughter. I did not need to know where you came from or why you had no future direction, and I will not ask you anymore questions. I enjoyed my time with you; I could have taken care of you. I know you need someone to love you, and I can be that one. I can be your family. I wish you hadn’t gone into those woods. I wish you had turned around and told me you wanted to stay with me. I’m still looking for you. You can come home; this can be your home.

Still waiting…..
Professor

Posted by Lulu at 6:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal seemed like a replication or more like a copy-cat of Thelma and Louise in many perspectives. However, this was the worse version of the film. So, yeah...I didn't really like the film at all. Things that I like about this film is that the main character Marianne was close to reality. I am not saying that I don't like Marianne being close to realistic character. However, I wish that the director have put more effort into portraying this character. It could have been fun, yet at the same time realistic. Instead, it looks like the director chose to go towards the boring side. Another thing that I like about this film is that Marianne not wanting to make choices and just not making the right decisions. She was very passive and I was able to relate to her in that way. However, it felt like she was just dragging that process so much that it really just bugged the hell out of me. Another thing that I like about this movie is the two cute Alaskan kids. They were really cute and I think it was really sweet of Marianne to teach them English and give them a shoulder of an elder or adult in the family. I think education is very important and it's always generous to educate other people. Also, it is very important to have an adult in the family. Without an adult, life can be very messy. Therefore, I think it was great that Marianne decided to give them a home and a family.

From all the movies that we watched this semester, my favorite movie is Boys on the Side. It had everything that a good film needs: humor, emotion, drama, right character, right acting, good storyline, good dialogues, etc. The film contained every good quality that a film needs. So, I really liked this film. i love the love story and the relationship between Robin and Jane. I loved the concept of a woman with Aids who is struggling internally and externally. Someone who badly needs love and sex. Someone who regrets for being who she is, how she she, meaning she regrets that she knows what she wants, guys know it and thus avoids her. That's why she just chose to sleep with the bartendar, when he looked at her. because, normally guys don't do that. desperately, she sleeps with him and the consequence is that she gets Aids. This film is a lesson to other people, girls like Robin, etc. So, it is a fantastic film. Even this film in a way was like Thelma and Louise. Except for, it does a better job in including all the characteristics of a good film. Therefore, for me this film worked, but Leaving Normal didn't.

Posted by Sakina at 6:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I hope you can make it...

Hi emily. This is Marianne your sister. In case you were wondering, yes I am alive and doing very good! First, I would like to apologize for living your house that morning without even saying goodbye. But honestly, you left me no other choice. You would`nt stop judging me or wouldn`t listen to me. To you, anybody who did not have the perfect life you have (husband , children and beautiful house) is wasted. Let me tell you something, I am not wasted!! Yes I said it. And if you still think I am, then did it ever occur to you that part of it might be your fault? All I needed was somebody I loved and who loved me -my sister- to comfort me and believe in me. I am sorry I`ve been such a disappointment to you and your husband. You actually never took the time to listen to me. But I am still very grateful that you opened your home to me.
You might be wondering why I am sending you a wedding invitation.. Well, despite all that you people said, I finally found Mr RIGHT!! Please do not laugh at me. I know you think that this is another one of my multiple marriages but it`s not. I really hope that you can make it this time. Since our parents died, you`re the only family member I have and I`ll love to see you. I told Harry ( yep, that`s my fiance`s name) a lot of good things about you and he is really excited to meet you, my sister. Please Emy, find a place in your heart to forgive me and start anew. I really need your support. Hope to see you at the wedding!
Love, Marianne.

Posted by quevi003 at 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Leaving Normal' was one of the very few movies that actually showed the reality of life. As a little girl, Marianne always thought positively; when her parents disagreed, she would always tell her older sister that everything will be alright. What Marianne did not know as a child was that life is very tough and can be umfair at times. What i really loved about this movie was the positive attitude of Marianne. No matter how lost or down she felt, she always was optimistic, still believing that life - which gave her nothing but sorrows- will one day bring her something good! And at the end, her positive attitude finally paid off when she met the man who will her right and finally had a sense of belonging in Alaska with pal Darly.
My favorite movie was "Set it off". The movie itself was both exciting and emotional! I loved the sisterhood and how fearless all black women became. They were there for each other and were ready to risk everything to have better lives. The moral is that life`s tough but there are other ways to get around obstacles than being a criminal.

Posted by quevi003 at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Leaving Normal" was an interesting adaptation of "Thelma and Louise." I think that there were both good and bad aspects of the movie. This is a movie about taking ones power and perseverances and beating the bad decisions they have made. It did a wonderful job of demonstrating how the choices we can make, whether good or bad can affect your life in many ways. It was certainly more uplifting towards the ending than "Thelma and Louise." The resounding message in the movie is that if you make initiative to lead a better life and learn from your mistakes, you can make a better life. Of all the "Female Road Films" we have seen in class, this one goes straight to the core of the core message of this course. A noteworthy quote would be when Marianne shouts, "Why am I here again?" This is a quote that anyone can relate to when they make questionable decisions. This movie was good until it got towards the ending when it became rather ridiculous and contrived. If there is an antonym to the word of phallocentrism, this movie can demonstrate it. As with many of the movies we have watched in this class, men are treated like pigs who are always chasing after women with the act devoid of any sense of realism or romantic interest. This is a very troublesome theme in the movies we have watched where women are always portrayed as protagonists and men are portrayed as antagonists. In a way, the class is rather anti-men based on the selections of movies we have watched.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert would be my favorite movie in this course. I really liked the light-hearted nature of this movie where women are not being abused and men are not portrayed as being the abuser. I liked the resiliency of the characters where they were so able to simply shrug off the criticisms of the greater society. From the aborigines to the Australians, the social culture was not hostile compared with the other movies we have watched. The society reacted with occasional indifference yet a majority joined in the fun with them. It was fun to watch a movie where such different people could be accepted by society. The movie did have an important message. The message is that family and friends should always accept and support one another as the group always supported each other. Overall, this was a really fun movie to watch and has a lot of important messages to the audience.

張惠妹

Posted by 張惠妹 at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My Love Jane,
Physically, we are so far apart yet spiritually, we are one. Day after day, I am thinking of you, thinking of your beauty, thinking of your voice, and thinking the strength and courage you gave me. My love for you has no eyes. I see no colors. I see you for the person you are, the person who cared for me unconditionally, the friend who laughed with me, and the family who held my hand when I needed it. My love for you has no conditions. You are the person you are whether you are straight or not. I only care for the person who protected me, supported me, and told me that the world is not big enough for the love we have for each other. My love most of all, has no boundaries. Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you.

Love, Robin

Posted by 張惠妹 at 1:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I enjoyed the movie Leaving Normal, I think that over all it was a good female road film. There were a few things that were dated about it, but that just made it all the more enjoyable. My favorite thing about this movie was the character of Marianne. She was someone that you just wanted to grab and shake some sense into, but at the same time you couldn't help but love. She becomes the root of the family. Taking care of the two boys and really trying to build a home for the four of them, really trying to make things different this time around. She is the ultamate opptimast. To the point were she's almost even pesamistic in some cases. She partially epitomizes the female frontier spirit, keeping the family together while trying to keep herself together.

My favorite road movie of the semester was Thelma and Louise. While I enjoyed almost all of the movies we watched during the course of the semester, none of them quite captured the American road for the female the way that Thelma and Louise did. What women wouldn't want to have that kind of gumption and fearless when taking on the road? I doubt that there will ever be another female road movie quite like Thelma and Louise.

Posted by Lady at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You never treated me right, you know that Darryl? How sad is it that when you were nice to me on the phone, I immediately knew that the police must be looking over your shoulder. I guess that in some screwed up way I have you to thank though. If it hadn't been for the shitty way that you treated me I probably never would have known how good it feels to be completely free. Even if you had been halfway decent to me I still probably never would have left you, cause I would have known I had someone I could come back to that would listen to my side of the story. I have no regrets leaving you and now that I know what a really man feels like, I should have done it a long time ago! So long you infantile excuse for a husband!

Posted by Lady at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal:
I liked the film, Leaving Normal, because it was a film about wanting more out of life, the importance of friendship, overcoming the ups and downs of life and the role the road plays in all of this. I felt that the movie was uplifting and a good reminder of how the road can be a positive adventure rather than just an escape route. My favorite scene in the movie was at the end when Maryanne, Darlene and the two boys are at the dinner table saying their thanks and blessings, when the camera pans out on their finished house. This scene takes all of the ups and downs throughout the movie and ties them into something positive. The finished house shows the women’s' strong friendship, dreams accomplished and a positive outlook on what is to come. Overall, this film was a good example of how "leaving normal," by hitting the road, can be a wonderful way to get away from the bad stuff yet still accomplish dreams.

Thelma & Louise:
My favorite movie of the semester was Thelma & Louise. To me, this is the quintessential female road film. It includes all of the terms, associations and ideals. The bond between these women also makes the viewer connect with the film, which makes it more interesting. The film also shows how hitting the road can really change peoples' lives, causing one to question how they look at their life adventures. Overall, this film is a great example of a female road film and it shows how strong friendship can be.I also like how this film says, "stick it to the man!" It's time the women stand up for their wants, needs, desires!

Posted by tennischica at 8:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leaving Normal (1992) -- did I like this movie? Yeah. Granted, this film is far from my favorite films, but it did a great job telling a story of how two strangers can develop into the closest of friends when thrown together by circumstances. The film embodies everything that we've talked about this semester in terms of the road being not only a medium for travel, but also a means of personal transformation. Both Marianne and Darly were running away from poor choices they made in the past, but never realized that in running, they would find the friendship and acceptance that they sought in other places in each other. I think it was a very fitting end-cap to the class, as we learn that the idea of 'normal' is nothing more than a bullcrap social construct that holds us back from accepting and embracing what makes each of us unique and special. Once one lets go of the idea of 'normal,' the destination is a lot easier to find...even if it is in the middle of the forest in Alaska. ;-)

Now, my favorite movie from the class was probably The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. There is something so satisfying about these flamboyant characters on the road as they make their way through the Outback. The acting is top-notch all around, but especially from Terrance Stamp, who used to be a sex-symbol in Italian neo-realist cinema back in the day, as he embodies wise and weathered transsexual Bernadette. The story concerning one drag-queen's journey towards accepting his role as a father was quite touching and showed that 'family' is so much more than those to whom we are related by blood. Extra Special Thanks (with cream on top) -- referencing the closing credits -- belongs to Stephan Elliot (the writer/director), who gave us all a reason to embrace our inner flamboyance and shake our groove thing!

Posted by Sweeper887 at 7:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

you saved me from myself

Olive, I didn't want to continue on the way I was living. Even though I seemed to hate everyone around me, you were the only one who made any sense in this fucked up world. Despite your young years, you have more wisdom and charisma than anyone I've ever encountered. I took my vow of silence so people would leave me alone, but in all reality I just wanted someone to be there for me in a completely selfless way. You are the one person who I can trust without saying a word, but thank you for breaking my silence.

Posted by Alexandra Goldman at 3:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hiyo Ms. Thelma,
You've crossed my mind lately and I've often wondered about which part of the world has been fortunate enough to have you as a part of it. Was wondering if you could possibly send me some cash, but I understand if you can't. Miss you, like you, take care of yourself and always be weary of the blow dryer police ;)

Posted by moros007 at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Richard,
I know that you have done a lot for me these past few years and you think that I have changed since I was kicked out of that nursing home. The truth is I am still an addict and I do not think that I will ever be able to stop. I am sorry for bringing these drugs into your home and for being and ungreatful to you and your family. You took me in and you put up with me and ask for nothing in return. I am truely sorry for all the trouble I have caused you and even though I yell and act like I do not care I am extremely proud of you. You have raised a wonderful family and you are out there trying to help people and are doing what you love. Never turn out like me, always be greatful to your children and love and respect them with all your heart. Because one day they may be the ones taking care of you.
Always Proud,
Your Father, Edwin.

Posted by Susie Q at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

No More Dreams of Picket Fences

Dear Bartender,
I know it is possible you didn't know, that you still don't. If you did, you killed me. I just died yesterday. I was really sick, and held on for as long as I could. I had AIDS. I got it from you. You are probably thinking that it was someone else, or of some other way to avoid responsibility or guilt. You're the only person it could have been. I should have been safe, but you wanted me to let my guard down. I no longer can dream of my white, picket fences and nuclear family. Not only because I am dead; but I no longer crave that sort of existence. I found out how I could live without being miserable about a year before I died. I made great friends, whom I adored. My best friend, Jane, well, I am in love with her. I didn't have enough time. I want more time. I want to see Holly's baby grow up, and Jane as a god-mother. I want my mother to visit me, I want to comfort her, I want her to have a child left. I hope you get to experience as much as I did. Maybe you are getting sick. Maybe not. Either way, you, like me, are going to die of AIDS. I'm as sorry for you as I am that I cannot spend this time with the people I love. I wish you hadn't given it to me. But nobody deserves that pain. Please get tested, if you don't already know. You could be a serial killer by now if you haven't; I can't have that. Live responsibly, enjoy what you can. I wish I could

Robyn R.I.P.

Posted by Miss Blog at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Surprise! I also wanted to be a pilot!

Dear Dwayne,

I'm posthumously sending you this phantom postcard from the eternal realm of Valhalla. Don't be alarmed--I just need to tell you that, ever since you started your dumb little "will to power" hush-fest (up to and including the day I died), I had been living vicariously through you! Moreover, you have now been officially possessed by my cantankerous ghost! OoOoOo! Creepy! Hahaha, I'm just kidding. But seriously, once I magically found out that you wouldn't get into the Air Force, I wanted you to know that I once shared your dream. To be perfectly honest, I really wanted you to succeed on your own terms. Our road trip for Olive made me realize just how much stuff I didn't get to do in my life, plus all the stuff I did really badly. The point I'm trying to make is to not worry about it. See, I also (magically) observed that Frank had a nice discussion with you about suffering. He's such a downer! It's unbelievable, right? But he speaks the truth. You shouldn't go after that young stuff right now. You shouldn't snort heroin all day, even when you're old. You shouldn't complain about having chicken every night, either. But you should take things as they come and enjoy the ride. Holy crap, I'm turning into a dead man walking cliché. Anyway, you seem to have learned the importance of familial bonding, but what about contribution? Your dad's attitude could use some work. Olive has body image problems. Frank needs to come to grips with his romantic relationships. And your mom needs help sorting these goofy folks out. Contribute, Dwayne. Remember...

See you later (OoOoOo!),
Grandpa Edwin Hoover

Posted by pete5676 at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you only knew how thankful I am...

Dear Keith,
I’m sorry that I lied to you. I’m sorry that I went behind your back. I never wanted to hurt you. However the bonds of friendship are unbreakable. Please forgive me for not getting a chance to say goodbye or really letting you into my life. We could have been something really great. You opened my eyes. You showed me what life could be. For once I felt special. For once someone put me first. Thank you for liberating a part of me I never knew existed. You never judged me for who I was or what I looked like on the outside. After Stevie died I was looking for a way out, any way to get out of L.A. But meeting you gave me so much more than that, a way out of the lifestyle I was trapped in, physically and emotionally. You set me free. You gave me strength. Strength to say goodbye. I can never thank you enough.
Forever Grateful,
Stoney

Posted by sigmundfreud at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When it is time for me to go, I don't want any apologies unsaid. So, I am on my way to make amends with my brother, Lyle Straight. I must make due with what I have to get there but that will make the destination taste that much sweeter. I can take my time to enjoy the American landscape. A tractor breakdown is not a hindrance but a pleasant chance to spread the wisdom I have learned in life. My journey is a slow one, surrounded by speeding trucks and the endless sky. I will continue to ride into the sunrise, that is a new day.

Posted by schw0918 at 5:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Apart from Jane's early comment that Robin is the "whitest" person in the world (or something like that), Boys on the Side portrays the interracial friendships without making a big deal of the racial differences, "flirting" with the idea that the women's friendships come from their shared experience as women and are not strained by racial differences or Jane's homosexuality (as Robin attempts to explain in her testimony at Holly's trial). Likewise, Robin says that she is not a lesbian but she "understands the inclination." Robin implies that she is not opposed to same-sex love, and the film certainly flirts with the idea of serious love between Jane and Robin (and also mentions Jane's past crush on Holly), although it may always be platonic love on Robin's end. The most blatant comments on race and homophobia come from Robin's mother, whose initial shock at both Jane's race and sexual orientation when she arrives in Tucson is evident. However, from the time the three women hit the road, Jane's race and homosexuality are almost nonissues, and certainly less the focus of the film than Robin's struggle with AIDS. In an effort to avoid showing the extremely marginalized character in a less-than-ideal situation, Boys on the Side puts Jane in a stable interracial lesbian relationship, avoiding the potential problems Jane could have faced--and perhaps would have in the real world.

Posted by ristee at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Flirting and skirting, eh? So in this movie there is some definite flirting with the ideas of lesbian love and interracial friendship. But it was presented in a very good way and did not pressure anybody or make viewers feel awkward. This movie flirts with the idea of interracial friendship by allowing two characters of different races to get along very well even though their personalities are very different from each other. This movie is not afraid to have a white woman and a black woman be friends and even moreso lovers. It brings up these two topics together and allows us as viewers to just accept these two people for who they are and what they are in relation to each other and the rest of the world. I'm glad it does this too because although I am sometimes hesitant on watching two girls fall in love, it brings it up in a manner that's easy to swallow and understand. Props on that to the director, by the way. When it comes to skirting the ideas of homophobia and racism, this movie also does that very well. When it comes to racism in here, there is a little bit of an issue with it here and there, but not so much that the entire movie seems focused on it and how it is wrong and etc. This movie as a matter of fact jokes around with it a little bit as the white mom seems astounded that her daughter had been living with a black woman. Racism is handled well in this film and because of that pushes away the issue and transforms it into just another characteristic someone happens to have, like blue eyes or brown hair. Homophobia is handled well in here too because it is not so blatently obvious that it's going to make viewers feel wierd if they watched this movie for the first time. I liked this film a lot and thought it did a great job making the playing fields more even.

Posted by ZoraMonkey at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys On the Side takes a different approach to interracial relationships and lesbian love by telling the story using the personal interactions between the women to describe their expectations from each other and the ability for each character to prove that expectations or first impressions cannot describe them. Robyn surprised Whoopie Goldberg's character by handling the violent situation with Nick and Holly with ease, Robyn is surprised at the kind and thoughtful nature of her and Whoopi's friendship after her first impression led Robyn to believe that Whoopi did not like her. All the women change their expectations of each other and form a close bond that alludes to a romantic desire between Whoopi and Robyn, skirting the issues of race and homosexuality to the background and concentrating on the personalities, flaws, and compatibility of the women through their bond of friendship and love.

Posted by Miss Blog at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

“Boys on the Side� addresses homophobia and racism very seldom and it was never in intense situations. Interracial friendship seems to be impossible when Robin and Jane first take to the road; not simply because of racial differences but because of personality traits. Jane makes a comment about traveling with the “whitest of white girls�. This sets the tone for your expectations of their relationship. Lesbian love comes up anytime Jane’s love is mentioned. When Robin is put to the stand in regards to Nick’s death, she is asked if she is a lesbian and her response is “No sir but at times I understand the inclination.� This response creates a bridge where there was none between her Jane’s sexuality. Jane is very comfortable in her skin. Robin’s mother is the one that brings being a black lesbian into the equation when she asks Holly and Robin in surprise that Jane not only black but also a lesbian. This homophobia and racism, when she asks these questions, seem outlandish and unimportant. It is accepted throughout the movie that Jane is both of them, so by making those comments seem irrelevant, the movie fully supports Jane’s positions in society as does the audience. This helps skirt the issues of homophobia and racism, where these issues could be prominent.

Posted by believer. at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Side was certainly a movie that flirted with lesbian love and friendship. I think that both Robin and Jane were seeking a compainion or someone to care for them and love them. When they found eachother it seemed that nothing would come of it but they were both suprised. They made a deep connection and Jane's character might have hoped for a little more but in all reality just seemed to get her hopes up. Robin on the other hand at times seemed like she needed someone to care for her so badly that she might have questioned her relationship type with Jane. She might have thought that she would never find a companion if she did not accept Jane's love. Robin seemed to have a lot of anger that I think was displaced from her illness in the movie onto her relationship with the closest person to her, which was Jane. Their friendship became so strong that it was not a suprise that there was confusion with where their relationship stood. Their friendship blossomed, and was not greatly affected by their interracial status, it was only at the beginning before they realized that their differences didn't matter. The only other time that race and sexuality came up was with Robin's mother and she seemed to relax about it as she got to know Jane as well. She learned not to judge a book by it's cover.

Posted by Holly Golightly at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In Boys on the Side there is an interracial friendship that builds throughout the movie up to a brief moment of lesbian love. Jane and Robin both head on the same journey to two different destinations for different reasons. In the beginning they stop by to pick up Jane’s friend from an abusive relationship. In the scene at Holly’s place it is obvious that Jane and Robin are completely different from one another, beyond the physical features of black and white. Despite their different approaches to solving Holly’s men problems, they find common ground in tolerating one another. On this journey which ends up to be hiding Holly from the police after her boyfriend was found dead, dealing with Robin’s AIDS and building a lifelong friendship between Jane and Robin. The journey is put on hold when they chose to settle in one place because of Robin’s condition, she felt that she had no place to go. This film flirts with the idea that beyond the interracial between Robin and Jane there is also a lesbian love building between the lines. Robin and Jane have a very close bond and Jane falls in love with Robin but does not admit it until the end. In the end of the film it is apparent that Robin has a deep love for Jane, but I still ponder about whether her love for Jane is family love, lesbian love, or close friendship love. Even though homophobia is seen when Robin’s mother comes to visit, it is never dealt with. Towards the end Robin’s mother accepts Jane for who she is, and in a way I feel that Robin’s mother also accepts Jane as a close partner of Robin.

Posted by Lulu at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This movie caught me a little off guard. I didn't understand how I would answer this question before I saw the film, and I'm still not exactly sure. I enjoyed that this film made subtle statements without being "A Movie About the Issues" In theatre and film, ultimately I believe that the goal is to tell a story, the story is usually about the most important events in people's lives, and this definitely fulfilled that for me personally.

I think that this movie started to make sense once they made a Thelma & Louise reference. That put my brain in the right place to understand that this movie is one about the friendship of the women. Thelma & Louise is just the straight, white-washed version of it. This movie leaves the race and sexuality issues below the surface, and doesn't let them directly influence the tangible events of the story. I think it is very important to allow this to happen, because I think there are more important issues with these women that needed to be addressed, and I believe they did that very quietly and effectively. They told a story. Which is the point, isn't it?

Posted by Courtney at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Well this film very obviously flirts with the ideas of interracial friendships and lesbian love by simply playing out the way it does. The very sincere acceptance of all three women of each other and the solid bond they share is obvious, even when some of them are fighting.

However, this is also why the movie skirts around these issues. They are never discussed openly or seriously. The only time a character is shocked at race or sexual orientation is when Robin's mother finds out who Jane is. But this exchange is meant to be humorous, and Robin's descriptions are vague at best. She is not focused on her mother when she tells her who Jane is and does not realize the apprehensions her mother has. So the casual acceptance of the relationships dooms them to be non-issues in the film.

Posted by goldie at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

By openly discussing the taboo issues of homosexuality and interracial relationships "Boys on the Side" is able to mask the realistic hostilities towards these issues. The characters in the movie create a safe environment to talk about the issues of race and sexuality by adding humor and blunt honesty. Whoopi's character is obviously the one who adds humor to race and sexuality in a blunt way, while Drew's character speaks of race and homosexuality in a nonchalant manner, making it humorous. As the characters grow closer to one another, any taboo issues are over looked. However, once Mary Louis's character allows her mother to come visit, the issues of race and sexuality are brought up again, with her mother seeming to have more of a problem with Jane being a lesbian than her race. But once again, through the bonding of friendship and sisterhood, these things are over looked. Even when Drew's character had a black baby, it was also humorous. And the characters in the movie did not make Drew's character feel ashamed, but invited her with open arms after she got out of prison. If this were a real life situation, I can see where each character would face some harsh realities of society's views on interracial relationships and homosexuality. I doubt it would've been as harmonious as we saw in the movie.

Posted by will1612 at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Side poses interesting relationships, bringing up seldom discussed topics; however, it would be easy to say that they don’t actually discuss the topics and that they only present them. Bring in a curious friendship, which is never truly explained, between Jane (a black lesbian nightclub singer) and Robin (a white real estate agent). While the explanation of their road trip is explained by the fact that they both need to get to California, it is obvious that this is not their first encounter with one another. To add insult to injury: introduce Holly, a young (especially in comparison to both Jane and Robin) drug addicted abused pregnant woman (+ some), whom they randomly pick up on Jane’s whim (?).

OK. So you have a lesbian, a woman who it ultimately is discovered has AIDS, and a pregnant drug addict (walk into a bar…). At first it seems as though Robin, despite her ‘straightness’, is going to fall for Jane. However, that never fully realizes itself. Ultimately, although the notion is still in force, Robin falls in love with a man. The lesbian thing comes out (into the open) along with the AIDS thing. The two both have their own struggles… and both of them will be there for one another. Good.

Then Jane tells the man Robin is falling for, that Robin has AIDS. He doesn’t care, because AIDS is so well accepted, especially at that time? Robin struggles with being OK with Jane…

In the end: everything turns out just fine. Robin, while ultimately isn’t getting better, didn’t face much aversion to the AIDS, which seems implicitly unrealistic. The issue is never dealt with. Robin, who is a lesbian in 1995 in a small town, doesn’t face any real issues either. The issue is never dealt with. Holly, while she goes to jail, has her baby and marries the cop (who put her in jail) and lives happily ever after. No more drugs, no more lifestyle? Her issues are never actually dealt with.

Everybody is happy in the end (figuratively so).

Posted by cici at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A lot of the qualities of interracial friendship and homophobia are apparent in Robin. She is a very stereotypical white woman trying to escape her bleak reality. Seemingly perfect in the idea that a black woman will escort her on her journey, it later comes out that the differences between them are very apparent. She does not know that she is a lesbian and then proceded to assume that she would have a crush on her straight away. This is something that could be very stereotypical of any woman and a lesbian friend. Another issue is when Robin's mother comes into town. She is absolutely taken aback by the fact that her daughter was living with a black lesbian. To her, this is the most unusual concept and cannot seem to wrap her head around it. "Boys on the Side" takes issues like this and exploits them until the characters become comfortable with the situation. It is a movie that addresses the reality of these types people and doesn't lay it to rest until the characters in the movie are at peace with one another.

Posted by Alexandra Goldman at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Sidecontains the seemingly unlikely friendship between a black gay woman (Jane) and a prissy white woman (Robin) as they support each other on the road. Holly, who accidentally kills her abusive boyfriend, is along for the ride as well. She claims the thought Jane only wanted to be friends with her because she's gay, which is oftentimes a paranoia straight people have who becoming close with gays. But both are comfortable in her company, and no one pays any mind to her skin color. This skirting of homophobia and racism is reflective of how america society currently tries to avoid the issue. The only time it is addressed is through Robin's old fashioned mother, but even she overcomes them in record time. Modern America, like this movie, finds it easier to just pretend the prejudices dont exist, though on a subconscious level they are certainly present.
In fact, BotS flirts with the idea of a relationship between Robin and Jane. Personally I believe that a persons sexuality is not set in stone. While from what we can tell, a sexual relationship does not emerge, but the two definitely love each other, and have but their differences aside, although by the middle of the film they had influenced each other enough where the pairing may not seem as odd.

Posted by Bob Dole at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Side, it flirts with the idea of the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love through the female characters Robin, Jane and Holly. These three women are as different as it can be with Robin a Caucasian woman who has AIDS, Jane a black woman being a lesbian, and Holly another Caucasian woman who has dealt with an abusive boyfriend and tries to run away from it. Through all their differences, and situations like Holly getting arrested they stuck together along with a few bumps along the journey of developing their friendship. In the end where Robin and Jane sing the song “You Got It� showing that they really had the bond of love and friendship.
As for the film going around the idea of the problems of homophobia is that it was clear that Robin did not know Jane was a lesbian as Holly tried to explain to her. When Robin and Jane were watching a movie, Robin was kind of opposed to the idea of herself liking other women, until the film went on showing these two character’s bond. It was pretty clear from the film that Robin’s mother was opposed to the idea of homophobia and racism towards Jane who was living with Robin.

Posted by tranx246 at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When thinking about this particular road film in the context of racism and homophobia Whoppi Goldberg’s character’s position in the film is to consistently challenge these two elements simultaneously. Throughout the film the decisions that she continuously makes for herself reflect her focus on dealing with the two societal ills. In settling down in a community in Tucson where there are clearly no other African Americans in sight and presenting herself as a lesbian she is immediately repressed by other members in the community.
Racism is also created in that the film is presented in a stereotypically oppressive environment. Historically the African American female is commonly presented as the care taker in which Whoopi Goldberg’s character properly fits the role. She has moved to a place where she is singled out in terms of race and as a result is put into a position where she serves as caretaker which is historically represented through the Mammy character is many early films that represent African American women where she is there to tend to the needs of Jane, the middle class white women with AIDS.
Her character is not allowed to act in to the context of being a member of her own individualized culture and as a result the movie is shown to express a dominantly racist agenda in its her character portrayal. Through her interaction with Jane lesbian identity is questioned in which we as audience members are presented with an a story line that is uncommonly represented in film with the relationship that builds between two women one of African American dissent and one who is white. Often times when these two elements are present, race and homosexuality one is dominantly acknowledged while one is often misrepresented. In this particular case racism is overemphasized and the presence of lesbianism is presented with less of a priority. Why is it that these two elements cannot work hand in hand and have to be acknowledged in a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of significance.

Posted by Megatron at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The amazing thing about the characters in Boys on the Side, and the way that the movie dealt with the controversial issues of interracial friendship and lesbian love, is that these things weren't the entire focus of the movie. Instead, the fact that this was two women falling in love, and that they were different races, was a small detail to the story. It was really focusing on love, and didn't emphasis that it was a non-normative love. There was so much more to these characters than their race or sexual orientation, so the audience doesn't just focus on these things. They see the women in a broader context, and views them as real people instead of the token lesbian or the white girl. They didn't deal with the issues of homophobia or racism because this movie was just about the women. They didn't care what other people thought about them, so the audience is left to focus on what the women are seeing instead of what society may be thinking of them.

Posted by orour078 at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From the beginning of the movie, the viewers are curious as to how Jane and Robin are going to interact on this road trip, both in terms of race, and personality in general. They seem like they are two different binaries of women: black and white, formal and street-wise, straight and lesbian. Yet they find ways to bond and begin to grow close, even after Robin's surprise whe she finds out that Jane is a lesbian. The three women all seem very different, yet find ways to be there for each other and support each other, since none of them really have a place to go. Holly (accidently) killed her boyfriend, Robin is trying to find her way to be happy, and Jane is just trying to escape and be happy. The issue of race never seems to be more than just another aspect of a person. Jane even dates a Latina in their new hometown. They all seem to learn different things about themselves regarding their personal selves and sexuality. Towards the end of the film, it is apparent that Jane, Robin, and Holly are all connected as girlfriends, although not sexually, but spiritually. I also believe that, although she is straight, Robin develops deeper feelings for Jane that she hides behind until the very end.

This was a very powerful and emotional film, and although the majority wasn't spent on the road, it showed how a simple road journey can forever change people's lives.

Posted by KoreanPrincss at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This movie captivates the viewer`s attention because at the beginning of the movie, such a strong relationship between Jane and Robin is unthinkable. As different as they could possibly be, both women bond and find a way to keep their friendship alive! The way Jane cared for Robin as she was getting very sick, protrays the interracial friendship that occurs in "Boys and the Side". As for homophobia, although it wasn`t that big of a threat between them, we observe at the very beginning how Jane was keeping her status way from Robin in fear of an unwanted reaction. And when Holly finally revealed to Robin that Jane was lesbian, there was clearly a shock in her look. Even though they were really different and led opposite lives, both women found a way to ignore anything that would`ve kept them apart.

Posted by quevi003 at 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Throughout the movie we can see the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love. All through the movie Jane is friends with white people. Also everyone in the movie is ok with the fact that Jane is a lesbian. She even had a little fling with Holly at one point in their past. There are differences between the women but they form a bond even though Jane is black and a lesbian. The only time in the movie where the girls aren't getting along is when Jane and Robin have a falling out over the idea of Jane being in love with Robin. We also see in the movie a little bit of homophobia and rascism when Robin's mom comes to visit. She is apalled that Robin is living with a black lady and a lesbian. However, later in the movie she comes to cope with that fact that Jane is one of Robin's best friends and she even comes to like Jane. The issue of homophobia and lesbian love are never really brought up in a bad context within the movie so in this sense I would say that they do "skirt" those issues. But for the most part it seems to be generally accepted by most people.

Posted by Irelandfanatic at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Though briefly discussing the "race issue" as Jane calls Robin the "whitest woman in America" racism seems to be a non-issue as they quickly become close friends. The mother brings up concerns about Jane being both black and a lesbian but the movie doesn't so much address these topics as it does discuss their friendship and female bond. Even in the court scene Robin says that female friendship trancends lesbian love. Though the racism and homophobia that is involved in the courtroom during Jane's testimony is apparent, it isn't addressed but instead is "remedied" by Robin's testimony. They use a problem solution format rather than discussing at length the binaries. In this way, the movie doesn't address either racism or homophobia as it incists that friendship conquers all.

Posted by ninjasecret at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To my dearest mom

I am so thankful to have you as a mom. Even when I was away from you, I knew that I could always count on you. I am sorry that I will die before you just like my lil brother. I know that dad left us because he couldn't stand the fact that my lil brother and his son died before he did. Now, it looks like you will be all left alone. I am so sorry that I have Aids and that it will soon take me away from you. I am sorry for the fact that I was a girl who knew what she wanted. I am sorry for the fact that I decided to sleep with that bartender. I am sorry for the fact that now I have Aids. And I am sorry for the fact that I am going to leave you in pain. I wish I could go back and change everything. I wish I could have been more easy going and a different girl. Then, I might not have ever slept with that bartender. However, the one thing that I am most sorry for is not really regretting for anything that I have done. If all this bad things didn't happen, then I could have never met my two friend Jane and Holly. I really learned to live my life in that small amount of time that i spent with this two girl. I hope you will find the space in your heart to forgive me. I love you mom

Yours daughter

Robin

Posted by Sakina at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the film Boys on the Side, the characters present everything very “matter-of-factly�. From the beginning, they are who they are and they don’t feel the need to justify anything. I think this is the main way the movie skirts the issues of homophobia and racism, while flirting with the idea of lesbian love and interracial friendship. For example, Whoopi’s character is the epitome of a strong black woman, and Robin embodies sort of a nerdy, white girl stereotype. Although these stereotypes are so emphasized, the film seems to present them in a way so that they “fit together� and the opposing features work out somehow. When watching the film, the viewer never feels the need to question the identities of the characters because they are presented so strongly from the very beginning. These strong binaries oppose each other, but in a way that also allows them to exist without problems. The film shows us that the lesbian love is accepted through the acceptance of the characters’ friends. It also addresses interracial friendships by sort of mocking the stereotypes of the two main characters. It emphasizes their differences and exaggerates the opposing features of the two binaries. In this way, the film presents them to us in a way that says “this is who we are. Deal with it�.

Posted by Beyonce at 8:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I feel that it is important to say that while there is slight mention of racism and homophobia in the film, it does not make an issue of either one. What does become an issue in the unfolding of the film and its three female characters is that even amidst the topics of racism and homophobia in society, their utter friendship can surmount anything.

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/mt.cgi?__mode=list_entries&blog_id=7318

Posted by muen0036 at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

First of all, I think this is the best road movie that we have so far seen in class. It is a very emotional film.

Boys on the side flirt with the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love. However, it also skirts the issues of homophobia and racism. For example, it flirts with the interracial friendship by the three main characters in the film- Jane, Holly, and Robin become best friends. Even though, Robin seems to be like from the uptight middle class family, she easily gets along with Jane, who is an African American woman. Their friendships grow so strong that they decide to live together. Also, Jane is a lesbian as well. And yet, Robin is able to make friends with her. The friendship between them are so strong and the bond grows so much, that you start to question their friendship. Therefore, it flirts with the idea of a possible lesbian relationship between them. The film shows the love and affection that they have for each other. However, it never really shows them having this outspoken lesbian relationship.

It skirts away from the issue of homophobia and racism as well. For example, in the court-room, the opponents lawyer questions Jane's sexual preferences. And immediately, she says something to skirt away from that question of homosexual and the judge helps retain it as well. Also, Robin's mom gets shocked when she hears that her daughter lives with an african american lesbian woman. She gets shocked, and sort of questions. But, the topic doesn't last long enough to discuss this issues. It is immediately put aside and the question stops right there.

Posted by Sakina at 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Boys on the Side" focuses certain issues in a positive, optimistic manner. Usually, when there is a movie about lesbian friendships, especially interracial, the perspective is different. Oppression and persecution take the forefront, and that is all the characters think about. It ends up driving all of their decisions. In "Boys on the Side" they show a normal life. Are the hardships that everyone has to face? Yes, but they all manage to live. They carry on positive relationships with anyone, and their joy really spreads because of it. There is more focus on the characters in the relationship than the indentity politics of each of them.

Posted by magatron at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The movie "Boys on the side" uses stereotypes about race and sexuality throughout the movie. Stereotypes are sometimes exploited in comedies in ways that challenge these same stereotypes, by mocking them and highlighting their falseness or outrageousness. But this movie uses stereotypes in order to make jokes. Instead of making fun OF stereotypes, it uses stereotypes to comedic effect by recalling these stereotypes. The movie does not subvert societal ideas about gender, race and sexuality. It actually manages to uphold and reinforce them.

The many jokes centered around Jane's sexuality struck me as very clear examples of the exploitation of stereotypes within the plot and within the comedic scenes. A somewhat important plot point is the fact that Jane always falls in love with straight women who will never respond to her affections. This is just presented as fact, without an exploration of Jane's attractions and feelings. We hear Holly and Robin criticize Jane for this tendency, but we never hear from Jane's point of view. This stereotypical representation of lesbian attraction also allows the movie to skirt away from exploring any romantic partnerships for Jane. Lesbian romantic relationships are never explored. In addition to Jane's constant attraction to her heterosexual female friends, other jokes are made regarding sexuality. Holly makes a comment summarizing all she knows about lesbians; that they are very emotional, they like uniforms and that one shouldn't break their hearts. The stereotypes function as the source of the joke, but the stereotypes are never explored or challenged in any way. They are just a means to achieve a laugh.

Racial issues are also used for comedic effect. When Jane first meets Robin, she says that she is cautious of going on a road-trip with Robin, because Robin is the whitest woman in the world. Again, this is a comedic moment. But we never hear why Jane finds Robin's whiteness as a potential problem. Whatever racial issues could have arisen, are never discussed. Even though this initial comment hints at some problems or issues related to their differing races, Robin and Jane do not talk about it again.

Near the end of the movie there is an interesting scene that mixes both racial and sexual stereotypes in order to make a joke. Abe and Jane go to see the baby after Holly has given birth. When they find the baby they see that the child is black. That fact in itself is meant as a comedic moment, an incongruity from what we expect a child to look like from a white woman like Holly. Immediately Jane states to Abe "Don't look at me!", jokingly stating that she is not the "father" of the black baby. This joke relies on the idea that lesbians are somehow excedingly; so masculine that they can father children. It also is affected by the fact that Jane is the only black character seen throughout the film.

These examples highlight the ways that "Boys on the side" uses many stereotypes about race and sexuality in order to advance plot points and as a source of comedic entertainment. Though issues regarding interactions between black and white people, interracial relationships, and the characteristics of lesbian romantic attractions are brought up through jokes, they are never fleshed out within the film. The movie deals with love, friendship and sickness, but does not tackle deeper issues like race relations and lesbian relationships. By using these latter topics as jokes while never expressly dealing with these topics, the movie manages to reinforce those same stereotypes.

Posted by whoa at 10:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In Boys on the Side, the binaries of sexuality and race are problematically addressed through a "flirting" with the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love and through a "skirting" of the issues of homophobia and racism. Interracial friendship and lesbian love are dealt with on a superficial, experimental level via the character of Jane Deluca, an African American lesbian, in that neither of these characteristics are ever addressed beyond simple recognition. There is little to no insight into the struggles she faced as a member of her two minority groups, the extent and circumstances of her prior relationships, her upbringing/connection to family, etc.--although much more than a token character to merely provide contrast with Robin and Holly, Jane's uniqueness is never taken advantage of in a meaningful way--there are overt signs of sexual tension between Jane and Robin, but these are squandered by the film's odd handling of Robin's AIDS. Jane's race never becomes an issue for the trio of friends, so the treatment of interracial friendship is, in a way, both positive and empty (because it is never explicitly addressed). The issues of homophobia and racism are, in turn, ruthlessly avoided. Robin's mother is alarmed by Jane's African heritage and homosexual orientation, but the other characters never confront these opinions head-on. It's as if the film has a liberal viewpoint, but assumes that the audience will pick up the "dropped pieces" without assistance. The inclusion of AIDS in a seemingly heterosexual context is interesting considering the epidemic among gay men, but it is never connected to this serious problem at all--in essence, Boys on the Side strikes unnecessarily moralistic chords in the wrong places when it comes to race and sexuality and fails to explore the possibilities presented by its potentially wonderful themes.

Posted by pete5676 at 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Side brought up a lot of issues, both directly and indirectly. Interracial relationships, abuse, gay, straight relationships, the law, and AIDS just to name a few. All of these issues are important to our society today both when the movie came out and today. Boys on the Side brought up interracial friendship with the exsisting relationship between Jane and Holly, and the new friendship between Jane and Robin. The relationship between Jane and Robin also briefly and indirectly addresses the issue of lesbian love. They have a relatioship that develops from friendship into something more. While addressing the romantic/friendship relationship between these two characters, the issue of homophobia has to come up. One of the scenes that somewhat addresses it is when Robin's mother finds out that here daughter was living with a gay female roommate. The lawyer that cross examines Jane also somewhat addresses the issue of homophobia. However as soon as the topic is brought up, it is just as quickly dropped. Racism is an issue that is never really adressed by the characters in the movie. The difference of race between Jand and Robin and Holly is never brought up between the three of them. This is somewhat surprising that the deeper and less defined relationship of lesbian love is more deeply addressed than the issue of racism.

Posted by Lady at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When I think of the binaries of sexuality and race in the film Boys on the Side a visual image from a song by Cake with the lyrics "a short skirt and a long jacket," appears. The image relates to the idea that the film flirts with the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love (the short skirt) but skirts from the issues of homophobia and racism (the long jacket). I think these ideas are very prevalent in the film with Jane and Robin's relationship. Interracial friendships are established with Jane and basically all the other characters since she is the only African American in the film, at least the only one I can recall, and lesbian love is also accepted throughout the film by friends of the main characters. The short skirt of interracial friendship and lesbian love, however, is protected from homophobia and racism with a long jacket. The only character that really addresses these issues is Robin's mother who voices her concerns to Robin only to see that her daughter does not agree with her and does not plan on changing her lifestyle, so we never see these issues again. I think that the film also skirts away from homophobia and racism by the images being predominately filled of heterosexual activity. We see Robin having sexual relations with Alex and Holly with Abe, but the only images of homosexuality are of a few girls dancing together at the bar. We do not see sexual relations between any of the main women nor do we with interracial couples. Boys on the Side may introduce the idea that opposite sex relationships are not the only option nor more important than same sex relationships, but it also leaves very important and real issues on the side as well.

Posted by Gertrude at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Boys on the Side," was a perfect title for this film which focuses on the friendship, love, and family that these three formed while traveling across the country and stopping in Tuscon, Arizona. They, especially the characters Jane and Robin, made men secondary to their lives. Jane is an African American lesbian who falls in love with Robin, a staight white female. Already there is an interesting and unusual story there because of this relationship. The other interesting thing to note is how they met. Jane found an ad in the newspaper and met with Robin once and they decided to drive together from New York to California unaware of eachothers past lives. Immediately Jane thought the trip would not work out because they had nothing in common, but then she begins to fall in love with Robin and ends up taking care of her until she dies from the AIDS virus. Holly, is still apart of this relationship, although she is more on the outskirts because she is still very involved with men. She falls in love with Abe and confesses to him about the accidental murder of her ex-boyfriend. The interesting twist with Holly is that she is pregnant and when she gives birth to her daughter, she is half white, half African American. Again this emphasizes the unusuality of this film and how it focuses on minorities such the African American lesbian, the interacial love between women, and the birth of a bi-racial child. Overall, this film was very interesting and it opens your eyes to a new world, which is not actually fantasy but a reality for so many people in and it is sad that so many just choose not to realize that.

Posted by Susie Q at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ursula—
I’ve realized that I’ve denied you a lot in our relationship, mostly the fact that I never let you get a word in. You never say a thing and I treat you like a trophy-wife; we’re both women, but I act the man and suppress you like all other men do to their women. I’m sorry that I’ve done this to you. I wish I’d let you have more of a voice in our relationship instead of letting me take charge about everything. My treatment of you just reinforced heteronormative relationship patterns, and I’m so sorry that that happened. I know I’m not around anymore, but if I could fix what I did and do things all over again, I would. You deserve to be treated better than I treated you.
--Cleo

Posted by Emma Zoch at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When looking at the binaries present in the film "Boys on the Side" we can see many connections between race and sexuality. One of the main characters, Jane, is gay and depicted as a butch lesbian. Jane connects most closely with Robin, a single, prudish, femme with a difficult past. I believe Jane and Robin connect because they are both in the minority. Jane’s sexuality and race and Robin’s disability bring them together; they relate to each other and need each other. The two become so close that the possibility of an intimate relationship is flirted with. Holly and the other women have a different type of relationship. Jane and Robin rescue Holly from an abusive relationship and take her on the road. They also help her when she goes to trial for the murder of her ex boyfriend. Jane and Robin seem like parents, mother figures, for Holly. It isn’t until Robin’s mother comes to visit that we see a slight homophobia and racism. Robin’s mother is concerned and turned off with the idea of her daughter living with a black lesbian. She seems to be the only one with the problem. When the women have to testify they are both questioned about their sexuality, Jane is even blamed for being gay. But there is little discrimination against her for being black or gay.

Posted by littlegreenapples at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film Boys on the Side is very progressive with respect to social acceptance of differences between race and sexuality. Addressing this issue when the movie came out in 1995 helped advance social movements to where they are today. This film managed to flirt with interracial friendships and lesbian love, while skirting the issues of racism and homophobia.

The girls in this movie have time to bond during their cross-country travel, and little gets in their way. Their friendships are above differences in race and sexual orientation, because friendships are obviously much stronger than intolerance and injustice. Jane is a black lesbian who provides an interracial link between the women; there is nothing detrimental to her relationship with any of the white people simply because of their race. Racism is skirted here, as it is a non-issue between them. The women don't treat one another unfairly and it shows the possibility of an interracial friendship as a model for anyone.

Jane also happens to be a lesbian, and during the course of the movie she falls in love with Robin. The idea of a homosexual relationship is flirted with throughout the movie because of this, though nothing physical appears to happen between the two. However their relationship develops and climaxes at the hospital, when Robin audibly expresses her love for Jane. The characters in this film were as open and accepting of homosexuality as they were with racial differences. The fact that this was another issue that was without any negative impact promotes the tolerance of something that was somewhat unusual when this movie came out, and is still progressing today.

The only time in the movie when these issues were addressed negatively is when Robin's mother expressed her disapproval of Jane's impact as a black lesbian. However this was dismissed and very short-lived, possibly serving as a "reality check," meaning that there are still millions of other people who do disapprove of something perfectly respectable.

In this manner, the film does a great job flirting with interracial friendship while skirting racism; flirting with homosexuality while dismissing homophobia.

Posted by ryanx422 at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bold is Beautiful

Dear Grandpa,
I never got to thank you for believing in me and teaching me that I am beautiful. Even though I didn’t win the beauty contest for you, I think I won a lot more just by competing. I know that you never got to see Dad support me, but he did at the contest! When all of the people were laughing at me, Dad danced with me too! You should’ve seen him Grandpa – for the first time, he thought I was beautiful and amazing for who I was. I also got to meet Miss California: she likes ice cream! Because of your encouragement and attending the contest, I have realized my inner worth and know that I don’t have to win beauty contests or be the prettiest girl to be amazing. I wish you could’ve been there. I know that you needed the drugs to keep going, but I feel like I should have stopped you. I know that you are in heaven now and were there in spirit at the beauty contest. Thank you for all of your support and coming on my journey with me!

Love,
Olive

Posted by Rita Racine at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Boys on the Side" flirts with the possibility of lesbian love through the conversation between Holly and Robin in the restaurant. Holly is explaining what she knows about Jane being lesbian to Robin. Neither of them seem very well-informed. It seems to be a topic that is foreign to Robin. The love that Jane and Robin share and the deep friendship they develop is only spoken of at the very end of the film when Robin is dying. Their love is not openly discussed during the film. Robin's mother seems a bit homophobic and racist when she is dumbfounded by the idea of Jane, a black lesbian, living in the same house as her daughter.

Posted by felicia at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The film Boys on the Side entertains the ideas of interracial friendship and lesbian love while not fully confronting the issues of homophobia and racism. First, the idea of interracial friendship seems almost improbable. When Robin and Jane first meet, stereotypes divide them. Robin appears to be the traditional sentimental white yuppie, while Jane is a struggling black artist who cannot afford to get to Los Angeles from New York on her own. The women begin to bond as they take the road, though the issue of Jane being Robin’s “driver� is never addressed after their initial meeting. Issues of race are frequently brought up, but not dealt with. Robin sprays the headphones Jane let her borrow, presumably because she is African American. Robin’s mother best depicts the idea of racism and homophobia. The women have already established their relationships and set of norms when Robin’s mother enters the narrative, highlighting the “unnatural� nature of their household. She is taken aback by the talk of Jane (black and lesbian!) and encourages Robin to find a good man, despite being a self-proclaimed feminist. Robin’s mother is never punished within the context of the narrative for her antiquated beliefs and she is never out rightly refuted. Robin initiates what looks to be the “male gaze� onto Jane as she plays her new piano on her birthday. The camera (Robin’s view) is angled so the door is framing Jane, making her the object of Robin’s desire. Holly’s biracial baby is received well, even by Robin’s mother, who is seen playing with the child at Holly’s welcoming party. I personally found it ironic that Abe Lincoln, emancipator of the slaves, took on the father role for the biracial child and reclaims Holly for patriarchy. Lesbian love is handled delicately in the film, never depicting any physicality between Robin and Jane, even after Robin professes her love while in the hospital. Perhaps lesbianism is being downplayed, as Robin mentions an overarching female bond, which has occurred between her, Holly, and Jane. When Robin dies, the journey continues for Jane, who takes the road to accomplish her original dream in the minivan (also seen in Little Miss Sunshine), a symbol of middle class white America.

Posted by Rita Racine at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Boys on the Side flirts with the possibility of interracial friendship and lesbian love, while slightly incorporating issues of homophobia and racism throughout many scenes in the movie. Interracial friendship is developed with Robin and Jane when they embark on their road adventure. There is also a pre-established interracial frienship between Jane and Holly. Within these interracial frienships, Jane, the African American female, seems to have the most issues with the frienships, often making racial comments about herself and the relationship African Americans have with white people. Jane makes a comment about Robin saying she is the "whitest woman on Earth." The lesbian love in the movie is shown in Jane's character, as she is a lesbian. The lesbian love experienced in the movie is between Jane and Robin. This developed after many ups and downs throughout their relationship. The love was at its greatest peak at the end of the movie when the love is put to the test with a serious illness that is helping to bond the friendship. Homophobia and racism plays throughout the characters lives and interactions with each other.

Posted by tennischica at 8:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My dearest TT, Cleo, and Frankie --

I made it out alive. I got the money, I fled the scene, and I got on a bus -- just like we talked about. I made it to Mexico and the money from the heist helped me establish a life down there. I have a good life and a fresh start, and all thanks to the three of you.

I am sorry that things didn't go the way we planned; I never wanted any of us to get hurt. I wanted all of us to get out of the 'hood and be here together like we deserved...which, to my everlasting regret, did not happen. I will always be haunted by seeing you all gunned down before my eyes in order to let me have a fighting chance. Your sacrifice was not in vain -- I've kept on fighting and will always keep fighting.

Not a moment goes by when I don't think of you and what you gave up for me to be here. And because of that, I live every day to its fullest, honoring the memory of you. I am a better person because of my friendship with each of you and you will always live on through me.

I miss the four of 'us' and I love you all so much.
I will see you someday.
--Stoney.

Posted by Sweeper887 at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Herbert Ross's 1995 feature film, Boys on the Side is accused of just 'flirting and skirting' the possibilities of interracial friendship, lesbian love, homophobia, and racism. However, I think that within this narrative, each issue is pretty much a non-issue.

Regarding the interracial friendship, it is clear that Jane had white friends, crushes, and/or lovers prior to her friendship with Robin -- her musical partner was white and the straight girl she previously developed a crush on (Holly) was also white. On the other hand, one wonders whether Robin had black friends prior to her friendship with Jane -- there is nothing suggested in the backstory that either confirms or denies such a friendship. However, within the narrative itself, race never really seemed like an issue for the development of the friendship between Jane and Robin. Their friendship developed quite organically -- they shared a tight space (car), a few adventures and secrets (the murder of Holly's boyfriend), and came to depend upon each other. Race never really seemed to be a factor in the development of their friendship. The only time race seemed to be a factor (although it was more or less a non-factor) was in dealing with Robin's mother -- she represented the pre-desegregation generation whom would find it odd to be friends with a black person, let alone a black lesbian.

Now, as far as lesbian love and homophobia, the film presents a relatively accepting view of homosexuality. Again, with the notable exception of Robin's mother, who seemed shocked at Jane's sexual orientation, almost all characters seemed very open and accepting of homosexuality. Granted, there is a moment where Robin pauses when Holly tells her of Jane's sexual orientation, but Robin seems to take it in stride and non-judgmentally accept this new information about friend. Jane, wondering whether Robin was weirded out by the information, assures Robin that she is not interested in her -- and Robin wonders why? I think that this was a question that could be taken as Robin flirting with the idea of lesbianism, but is more likely concerning Robin's own self-concept about her attractiveness.

After all, this is a narrative about the depth of friendship and love that can develop between people who are very different, which is something that can transcend the superficialities of race and sexual orientation and move people into understanding. I think the film was effective in that regard, making a head-on confrontation about race and sexual orientation unnecessary.

Posted by Sweeper887 at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I wouldn't say that the movie "flirts" with the idea of interracial friendship, I think the movie portrays a sense of interracial friendship. I think that it succeeds in showing the audience that a deep seeded friendship happened between a black woman and a couple of white women. I definately think that the movie "flirts" with the posibility of lesbian love between the friends. I liked that fact that the strongest character in the movie was a black lesbian. I definately think that the movie "skirts" the issue of racism but doesn't "skirt" the issue of homophobia. I think that racism is prevalent in the film but they don't make it a point to define it and change it, they just make racist remarks or statements and move on. I don't think that homophobia is "skirted" around in the film because they are blatent with the fact of showing that some people have a problem with gay people. Homophobia is like racism in the film in that they make comments and then slide right by them without trying to improve the thoughts of the viewers.

Posted by bella at 8:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Robin, it is you I love.

Robin,

I was hesitant to join you on your journey, because I felt we had little in common. I needed to move in order to keep singing and the free transportation was nice, so I agreed to go with you. I figured I could tolerate being in a vehicle with you for the length of the trip and then be on my way. But, our trip changed me. We made it through Nick's death and your hospital stay and I just couldn't leave you. I wanted to protect you from your illness. I'm sorry I tried to set you up with my friend. I only wanted to see you happy. I wanted you to forget you were sick. I didn't think you wanted me, so I wanted to help you be with someone you could love. I should have told you how I felt sooner. You became my best friend and I love you. I don't need to put on a tough exterior. I can be black and I can be lesbian and I don't need to always be ready to defend myself. You taught me that I can trust you. I feel safe with you. I wish you could have expressed your feelings for me sooner too. I understand that your mother and society views lesbians as different and it would have been incredibly difficult for you to openly express your love for me. But, what we share is not something to hide. It is something to share and be proud of. We share a love that will last forever. It is an emotional connection that cannot be broken. I miss you every day you are gone, but I am glad that you are no longer suffering. Know that you are still loved and with me each day.

"One look from you - I drift away. I pray that you are here to stay. Anything you want - you got it."

Love, Jane

Posted by felicia at 6:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nick, I didn't mean to hurt you.

Nick,

I didn't mean to hurt you but you hurt me. I loved you and I thought you loved me, but I guess I was wrong. When you love someone, you don't physically hurt them, you treat them with respect and you never lay a hand on them. When I left you, you were alive but later I found out you were dead. I was hurt and scared for myself. Luckily, I had my girlfriends to help me along the way. They showed me how to get along without you, and I am a better person for it.
If it weren't for my friends I would not know what true love is. They made me keep going and eventually I was fortunate enough to meet a new man. He treated me with respect and never laid a hand on me. He loved me for all of my flaws and I am a better person for it.
It was wrong for you to not trust and believe me. Eventually you experienced the wrath of your evil. I am sorry you died but I am not sorry I left. I now know that I am worth more than you. I deserve better and I deserve not to be hit. I love you for the person you could sometimes be and I wish your demise hadn't developed the way it did. I promise to live my life knowing that I can do a be a better person than you. Thank you for that.

Posted by bella at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Robin and Jane are complete opposites. Jane says it herself, Robin is the "whitest woman" she's known. Robin plays the mommy role, drives a minivan, and likes the Carpenters, while Jane smokes and comes off tough and butch. However, they develop a beautiful friendship despite their oppositions. The film "flirts" with the idea of interracial friendship through the two characters as their friendship grows along their road trip and often hints at lesbian inclinations. Robin is clearly heterosexual while Jane is openly gay, however the end of the film toys with the idea that there could be something more between them. To me this was most strongly felt in the scene where Robin begins singing and Jane finishes the song for her. Their eyes are locked the entire time and it is obvious that there is a deep bond between them, however we can never know for sure if there is the possibility of something more.
Holly, Jane, and Robin are all drastically different from one another; a black lesbian, naive pregnant woman, and white AIDS victim, yet they fit together so well and show little notice to their differences. However introduction of other characters in the film provide the "skirting" of issues such as homophobia and racism. For example, Robin's mother is the most dramatic in her reaction to the three of them living together. She seems aghast by the fact that Robin is living with a black lesbian and that Holly is planning on raising her baby without the protection of marriage. However, by the end of the film Robin's mother learns to love these two women just as Robin does as she sees how they genuinely care for each other and fit together in their own unique way. The film doesn't place heavy emphasis on these issues, but briefly introduces them and moves on.

Posted by sigmundfreud at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Blog B question is not posted yet and as a result, I will be writing this entry through memory. The issue of race is brought to attention very quickly in the beginning of the movie when Jane and Robin first meet when Jane remarks how Robin is too "white" to be a compatible driving companion with her. Immediately we are able to see the perceived tension between the races. However as in other films such as "Set It Off", "Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert" and "Little Miss Sunshine" differences are overcome with understanding and friendship. Initially, Jane seems like a bitter and cold person who would not seem like a likely travel companion for a gentle person like Robin. The character Robin is quite the opposite with a patient and rational character who is caring and wants to understand people even though her upbringing would suggest that she would be more of an arrogant and bigoted person. The thing that brings these two characters together as well with Holly later in the movie is the mutual understanding of each other and a caring heart. Robin is very fragile yet is very persistent. She stays with Jane throughout the trip despite their differences such as their use of language and smoking habit. The bond and friendship between Jane, Robin, and Holly become more like a sisterhood where they are able to share experiences as a family.

The fact that Jane was a lesbian was not an issue with Robin. When Holly told Robin that she was a lesbian, Robin was a little surprised because she was completely oblivious to it. Robin soon got over the surprise and resumed being a friend to Jane. Robin's mother was appalled to learn that her daughter was living with both an African-American lesbian and an unmarried pregnant woman. She sneered at both of them, giving them disapproving looks. However just as Robin did, she began to understand and care for those people, able to get over her old prejudices.

The only time when the threesome had any sort of disagreement was when Jane had secretly set up Robin with a guy and told him about her secret illness. Robin considered Jane a close family member and setting her up with a guy, telling him about her illness, and getting him to have sexual activity with her was a violation of their trust and friendship. Their disagreement lasted until Holly got into trouble. As friends, Robin realized how important Jane and Holly were to her and took the initiative to make amends with Jane so they could both help Holly. Overall, a common theme among many of the movies we have watched is the power of friendship. The characters are able to "leave normal" with friends there to support them.

張惠妹

This is a song that can illustrate how people can "leave normal" in a good way. It sounds really good with the volume up really loud.

Posted by 張惠妹 at 3:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thelma and Louise,

I was following your case and understood what you were going through. Believe it or not, I was on your side and just wanted to get you home safe and off the road. The open road is not a safe place for women. I know why you killed Harlon and I don’t blame you for it. Even though you would be charged with murder, I would have done everything to keep you from going to jail. I wish I had had the chance to tell you that, but you were both too independent. I am sorry for the way things had to end and that you felt you were left with no other choice. You put up a good fight.

I’m sorry,
Hal

Posted by Pumpkin at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

From the first encounter of Jane and Robin in the film Boys on the Side, race is pushed to the side and only friendship a possibility. Robin tries to point out how compatible they are, even though Jane denies this. Robin is so hungry for friendship and a new life away from her identity of AIDS victim that she clings onto Jane and the opportunity for a road trip west. Sexuality is never an issue and Robin remains naive to Jane's homosexuality until Holly comes on the scene and informs her. Robin is never afraid or repulsed by Jane's sexuality. Even though Robin is heterosexual, she is admits her love for Jane, knowing that Jane has loved her all along. Race and homophobia rarely surface and usually it is not by one of the three girls. The oddity of this threesome of friends does not occur to them, even though outsiders like Robin's mother are astonished--astonished that her daughter is living with a black lesbian and a single pregnant woman. The rest of their friends accept them for who they are and they are able to retain their friendship through Holly's imprisonment, Robin's death, and finally Jane's continuation of the road trip the three of them started.

Posted by Pumpkin at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I forgot what I was fighting for

Ma'heo'o,

My sacred spirit, I have spirit my whole adult life fighting for the Cheyenne people on my reservation only to realize that while doing so I have forgotten who I am and what I am fighting for. Being activists I have struggled with the white man in political realms to address social issues that leave my people left alienated and without opportunities to leave a fulfilling life with economic stability. I have become an angry person who lashes out against the oppressor and I become livid when my friend Filbert tells the stories of our ancestors. I am hesitant to dance at Pow Wows and almost never wear forms of traditional dress. On a journey that began out of hate ,I have found what I should be fighting for and I have Filbert and you to thank. Filbert connected me back to the land as we crossed the Great Plains and communicated with the spirits that remain where our people no longer are. You were there for my family when you saved Filbert in the car crash and I now understand that I am not just fighting for the equality of my people, I am fighting for my culture and all of the Cheyenne people that sacrificed their lives before me. I must remember the wisdom of my elders and continue to pass their knowledge to the young and keep my people alive spiritually, not just physically. I will continue to fight for my people, but will use spirituality and knowledge to educate others about whom the Cheyenne really are and why we deserve to be treated as equals.

Nea'ee,

Buddy Red Bow

Posted by Gertrude at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)