Next to reading, I love watching movies. Movies are the ultimate escape – for an hour or so anyway. When I was considering what amazing woman of achievement to blog about today, I thought of a movie I’d watched for the second time based on a true life story. And then I thought about a couple of other movies about women who had made an impact. So below are four of my favorite movies about real life ladies I came to admire, thanks to Hollywood. I recommend these movies, not only for the story they tell, but for the pure entertainment of watching some fine acting.
Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy
In 2004, wealthy Leigh Anne Tuohy opened her home and her heart to Michael Oher, a disadvantaged black youth. She had a daughter and a son of her own, but Michael was offered every advantage on an equal footing. They adopted him, and he went on to become a professional football player.
Movie quote: (Leigh Anne warning off gang members from Michael) “If you so much as set foot downtown, you will be sorry. I'm in a prayer group with the D.A., I'm a member of the NRA and I'm always packing.”
Norma Rae starring Sally Field, based on the life of Crystal Lee Sutton
In 1974, a woman stands up for the rights of herself and fellow workers in a textile mill. The real Norma Rae (Crystal Lee Sutton) was fired from her job in Roanoke, NC but went on to work as an organizer for the textile union.
Movie quote: (Norma Rae standing her ground) “Forget it! I’m stayin’ right where I am. It’s gonna take you and the police department and the fire department and the National Guard to get me outta here!”
Erin Brockovich starring Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich
An unemployed single mom of three finagles a job as a legal assistant in 1993. She happens onto some information and goes on to secure a settlement of $333,000,000 for 648 plaintiffs in a town sick and dying from contaminated water.
Movie quote: Ed, her boss: “What makes you think you can just walk in there and take whatever you want?”
Erin: “They're called boobs, Ed.”
What’s Love Got to Do With It? Starring Angel Bassett as Tina Turner
Tina Turner managed to get out of a relationship with a domineering, abusive husband and the rest is history. This is her life story.
Movie quote: (I love this because this is what her husband, Ike, says and she proves him oh so wrong!) “Now, you listen to me. I MADE you. You were nothing before you met me, and you'll be nothing without me.”
I haven't sold the movie rights to my current book, Sleeping with the Lights On, but I'm waiting for that call from Hollywood. I'd cast Meg Ryan as Sandra Holiday, and Matthew McConaughey as Carson. Johnny Depp would make a perfect, quirky millionaire. The redheaded stalker would have to be Julia Roberts.
After two failed marriages and countless relationships, Sandra Holiday thinks she’s met the man to end her years of less than perfect choices; choices that not only derailed her travel-related career plans but also left her single and broke.
Carson Holiday, a Las Vegas country crooner with swoon-inducing good looks, spent his adult life pursuing a recording contract and love, never holding on to either. After eighteen years, he drops back into Sandra’s life, reigniting an attraction he can’t deny.
When Carson reappears, Sandra must choose again. Only this time, nothing’s as it seems. A secret admirer, a redheaded stalker, and an eccentric millionaire throw her on a dangerous path, with Carson her only truth.
As life confronts her with yet another turning point, will her decisions find her eternally sleeping with the lights on – or will she finally discover a way to turn them off?
But until I get that call from Hollywood, it's available in print or for your e-reader!
12 comments:
Hi Brenda,
Another great blog. I loved the movies you chose and the gutsy women they depicted.
Regards
Margaret
I agree with Margaret. Loved the post and the women you chose to highlight. I enjoyed those movies, too. Excellent post.
Brenda,
Loved your list of women. I have watched everyone of those movies. Great blog!
Thanks, ladies. In all cases, these ladies had to fight and stand up for their rights or those of others. Not an easy task.
Isn't it funny how the movies have exposed us to women we would never know otherwise? I wonder if in ten years blogs will be our source?
Barbara
Could be, Barbara. Certainly they're a source, even now.
Loved everyone of these movies! Thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed, Lilly.
Loved the quotes. There's nothing quite like that perfect line, be it in a movie or a book.
I'm beginning to think the phone lines are down in Hollywood. They haven't gotten through to me, either!
Ha! Maybe their having wild fires again, Jannine!
I enjoyed reading Brenda Whiteside SLEEP with the lights on. Sandra Holliday, heroin brings fascinating novels between two men. Wesley, the man she met at the end of their year of less than perfect choices, choices that left him alone and broken.
Dreambox
Thanks for the nice comment on Sleeping with the Lights On.
Post a Comment