2023 has been a complicated year in the creation of all media, to say the least. In addition to returning to normal filming schedules post-pandemic, the Writer’s Guild and SAG strike also put many projects on hold. Since the end of both strikes, I think it’s time to talk about the major movies from this year. More specifically, who made the movies this year: women.
While women are still relatively new to the workforce in Western culture - if we're talking about the grand scheme of things, the film industry has been especially slow in progressive gender equality. According to the Celluloid Ceilings Report, in 2021, the percentage of female directors had increased from the previous year, with women accounting for 25% of all directors. While the progress is encouraging, with only 25% representing 51% of the population, how are women’s stories supposed to be told? Despite this, in 2023 that 25% were able to make an impact much bigger than the numbers they represent.
Barbie had been heavily anticipated prior to its release this past July, from the release of its first poster to the trailer, there was an immediate interest from viewers. The hype and accolades have only grown since its premiere and at the forefront of this show-stopping production, the one and only Greta Gerwig.
Known for her acting and screenwriting abilities, more recently Gerwig has made a name for herself in the directorial world. With the releases of her highly acclaimed films, LadyBird and Little Women, she walked onto the set of Barbie with multiple Oscar nominations under her belt.
Working with the beloved and heavily accredited actress Margot Robbie to produce this instant blockbuster hit, Gerwig is no stranger to empowering women on screen. She has been given credit for creating a likable Amy March, after many attempts through many adaptations of the Louisa May Alcott classic, Little Women. She wrote incredible monologues delivered passionately by Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan, that stand the test of time, as the film is set in the 1800’s. And that’s where her strength lies, she has the ability to tell beautiful stories through a female lens, both literally and figuratively.
Gerwig has received an immense amount of well-deserved credit for creating Barbie, the highest grossing movie of the year. But most female directors are not receiving the same respect for creating inspiring and impactful films.
In my opinion, the most underrated movie of the year was, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, released on April 28, 2023. The film is directed by Kelly Fermon Craig, known for The Edge of Seventeen, a coming-of-age film starring Hailey Steinfeld. Despite big name stars such as Rachel McAdams in prominent roles, the film was not brought into the mainstream as others were this year.
Based on the Judy Blume book that has spanned generations, the authenticity of the original writing is reflected perfectly in the film. Fermon Craig encapsulates the awkward feelings and uncomfortable experiences of a young girl that allows the viewer to see themselves in the main character.
The film is endearing, relatable, and extremely well done in respect to the author’s original work. In addition to capturing the essence of the female experience, Fermon Craig is able to demonstrate the delicate details, the ins and outs of growing up as a young girl, whether her film takes place in 1970 or 2023.
And last, but certainly not least, I’d like to bring attention to the one and only Sofia Coppola. Yes, she’s the daughter of celebrated director Frances Coppola, but she's an astonishing creative in her own right. With films such as The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation under her belt, the announcement of her newest film Priscilla was one I was immediately drawn to.
Based on the memoir Elvis and Me, written by Priscilla Presley, the film follows her life while in a relationship with the King of Rock and Roll. The film portrays Priscilla as the young girl she was, which is demonstrated through the young, feminine, coquettish aesthetic Coppola strategically creates. Her directorial skills allow the viewer to feel transported into the time period they’re documenting, through many stylistic elements.
This has been a year "for the girls" as many online have said. Taylor Swift broke record after record, Beyonce performed sold out concerts all summer, and friendship bracelets graced our wrists as we went to watch the Barbie premier with our girlfriends.
So, that leads me to the question, why were these movies so impactful? Why did they pack the theaters? Why did we all cry at Billie Eilish's song, "What Was I Made for?"
Because of the stories they’re telling. Female stories are so important, and they have been limited in this medium for far too long. The conclusion drawn from the unprecedented
success of Barbie shouldn’t be that we should make more movies about toys. We should make more movies about women, for women.
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