Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Mona Lisa Smile in a different light

I watched Mona Lisa Smile years ago and for some reason it left a sour taste in my mouth. Having had the year I've gone through and watching it a second time it left a completely different taste in my mouth. The first time around I looked down on Katherine [Julia Roberts' character] for being so hard on Julia Stiles' character for choosing to be married. I looked at Betty [Kirsten Dunst's character] as a biotch who got what she deserved and not much else. The second time around I realized I had never noticed the way Kirsten's character was groomed and raised to believe what she did, and what Katherine did for her was provide a different way and an okay to be that way. Which is why in the last scene Betty is crying. Her life could've been one way - miserable, lonely, sad, heartbroken day after day - but instead she realized the freedom she had to choose another life and was so grateful for it. Joan realized that same freedom - in the love that she had. The underlying message of the movie, we all can be what we choose, and it's okay to choose what will be happy for us, not the next person. I used to view this movie as one I didn't see the point of. I hadn't lived enough to. Now I view it as a great movie.

6 Comments:

Chele said...

That is such a good movie, good girlie movie.
I also had to see it a couple of times before I truly got the message. my favorite character has infact become Kirsten Dunst. Hated her at first, but now I admire her outspoken fearlesness even though cruel, I love how she wans to pursue more. I just connect with her characater, Julia stiles I also thought made a very good choice. I think a housewife is the most powerful job a woman can ever have.

L said...

I am with you. I used to feel the same way about that movie, and while I certainly think there is nothing wrong with getting married young or choosing that (because that is certainly what I want and have always wanted), I do think it's important for girls to know that it's not the only option.

Mrs. Architect said...

I LOVED that movie. I wanted to see it when it came out bc of all the great actresses in it, but I didn't because several people told me they didn't like it. When I finally did see it, I absolutely loved it!

my life is brilliant said...

I liked it the first time I saw it, but not enough to buy it. Then, I saw it again, and I had to get it. It really is a great movie!

Stace said...

I might have to see it again, with all of this being said. I liked it the first time. And me, myself, have never thought to be married young. . . so maybe I'm Julia . . who knows let me get back to you. :)

a tall sassy gal said...

I liked it but didn't love it. I need to see it again and maybe I will change my mind too.

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