Analyzing Themes In Thelma And Louise

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What could be a better summer box office hit than a film about women hitting the road, rebelling against society and undergoing a complete metamorphosis in the process? On the surface, Thelma and Louise comes across as a typical chick flick; yet, its a movie that takes on many lifeforms and interpretations. The most fascinating criticism of the movie is whether or not Thelma and Louise go insane. Thelma and Louise's actions govern the central ideas of the movie: Freedom, women vs men, and an internal metamorphosis precipitated by the open road. These overarching themes offer justification for the women's behavior, thoughts and beliefs and answers the three main questions that offer insight into whether the women go mad: Are the two violent …show more content…

You can understand why Louise she behaves as she does and gives into Thelma. Thelma shows us a young, innocent, beautiful, vulnerable woman looking for a bit of excitement from life, who initially expected the best rather than worst from people she meets. Just as she is about to leave, Jimmy offers to marry her. This is where Louise’s' last transformation into a younger lady and when Thelma becomes a women. When J.D takes off with their “hope money,” Louise cries and is child-like as Thelma grows to take over the situation. Thelma says “everything is okay”and becomes the the driving male …show more content…

Thelma is excited after leaving the convenience store ;she jumps into the car screaming for Louise to drive away. She turns to Louise and shouts, “It was like I was born to do this.” Louise smiles and says with, “Think you found your calling?” Thelma continues to smile as they travel about an hour down the road, “I just think I have a knack for this kind of shit.” Thelma finds herself and expresses both her feelings and voice when she tells Louise, “Something has crossed over in me. I just can’t go back. I feel awake, wide awake. I never felt this before, like I got something to look forward to.” This is the freedom from male oppression. This is the beginning of Thelma as a free, independent woman and not a little girl. Has Thelma gone insane? I am convinced Thelma is completely sane and competent throughout the film. She robs the store for practical reasons. It served two purposes. She felt guilty about being the reason Louie's savings were stolen. She had to make it up to Louise. Not only do her feelings of guilt show she is human; it shows she is normal and is mentally stable. She wants to make up for her wrongdoing. Individuals who are insane, have no idea what they have done, will never admit they were wrong, and continue on with their

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