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Susan Sarandon in His Dark Materials: A Deep Dive into the Role and its Impact
Introduction:
Fans of HBO's His Dark Materials were treated to a captivating performance by the legendary Susan Sarandon in Season 2. But her role as Serafina Pekkala, the powerful witch leader, wasn't just a cameo; it significantly impacted the narrative and added another layer to the already complex world of Lyra Belacqua's journey. This blog post will delve into Susan Sarandon's portrayal of Serafina, exploring her character's significance to the plot, the impact of her casting, the critical reception of her performance, and the lasting impressions she left on the His Dark Materials universe. We’ll examine her character arc, her relationship with Lyra, and how her presence enriched the show's overall thematic elements. Get ready for a fascinating exploration of one of Season 2's most memorable characters!
Keywords: Susan Sarandon His Dark Materials, His Dark Materials Serafina Pekkala, Susan Sarandon Serafina, Serafina Pekkala His Dark Materials, His Dark Materials Season 2, Susan Sarandon HBO, His Dark Materials Witches, Serafina Pekkala Actress
1. Serafina Pekkala: A Powerful Force in the North
Serafina Pekkala, Queen of the witches of Svalbard, isn't your typical fantasy character. She's wise, fiercely independent, and possesses an almost mystical connection to the natural world. Her role extends far beyond simply providing support to Lyra; she acts as a mentor, a strategist, and a powerful ally against the Authority. Susan Sarandon's portrayal masterfully captures the character's strength and unwavering dedication to her people and her beliefs. Her calm demeanor masks a shrewd intellect and a deep understanding of the complex forces at play.
2. The Impact of Susan Sarandon's Casting
Casting a veteran actress like Susan Sarandon was a bold move. Her presence immediately elevated the prestige of the show, adding a layer of gravitas that resonated with both established fans of the books and new viewers. Her name recognition alone attracted attention, expanding the potential audience. But beyond the marketing benefits, her performance brought a depth and nuance to Serafina that perfectly matched the character's importance in the narrative. The casting was a masterstroke, contributing significantly to the success of Season 2.
3. Analyzing Sarandon's Performance: Nuance and Authority
Susan Sarandon's performance isn't just captivating; it's nuanced and layered. She effortlessly portrays Serafina's strength, wisdom, and vulnerability, conveying a complex character with subtle gestures and expressive eyes. Her portrayal doesn't rely on grand pronouncements; her authority stems from a quiet confidence and unwavering conviction in her beliefs. This subtle approach makes her performance all the more powerful and memorable. She embodies the wisdom of an ancient people while maintaining a relatable human quality, making Serafina both formidable and empathetic.
4. Serafina's Relationship with Lyra: A Guiding Light
Serafina's relationship with Lyra is one of the most compelling aspects of her character arc. She acts as a guiding light, offering Lyra advice and support while remaining a powerful force in her own right. Their bond is built on mutual respect and trust, reflecting the strength of female alliances within the story. Sarandon's performance highlights the subtle nuances of this relationship, revealing moments of warmth and understanding alongside the shared strategic discussions. This mentorship transcends a simple helper role, portraying a complex bond between a seasoned leader and a young protagonist navigating a dangerous world.
5. The Thematic Significance of Serafina Pekkala
Serafina's role is pivotal in exploring several key themes within His Dark Materials. She represents the power of nature, the importance of connection, and the strength of female leadership. Her defiance against the Authority underscores the show's central themes of rebellion and the fight for freedom. Susan Sarandon's interpretation reinforces these themes, making Serafina a powerful symbol of resilience and unwavering belief.
6. Critical Reception and Audience Response
The critical reception of Susan Sarandon's performance has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised her subtle yet commanding portrayal of Serafina, highlighting her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability. Audiences equally admired her presence, with many citing her performance as a highlight of Season 2. Her casting was a triumph, not just for attracting viewers but for delivering a nuanced and compelling interpretation of a beloved character. The online buzz surrounding her performance solidified her impact on the series' cultural landscape.
7. The Legacy of Susan Sarandon's Serafina Pekkala
Susan Sarandon's portrayal of Serafina Pekkala has left a lasting impact on the His Dark Materials universe. Her performance elevates the character beyond the page, adding depth and complexity to an already rich world. Her presence continues to be discussed among fans, solidifying her position as a memorable and impactful character within the series. Her performance has set a high bar for future portrayals of the character, should the story continue.
8. Beyond the Screen: The Impact of Sarandon's Star Power
The casting of Susan Sarandon didn't merely contribute to the show's quality; it significantly influenced its reach and impact. Her star power brought increased visibility, attracting new viewers and sparking conversation amongst a wider audience. This broader awareness contributed to the success and cultural recognition of His Dark Materials, highlighting the significant impact that established actors can have on a television adaptation.
Article Outline:
Title: Susan Sarandon's Impact on His Dark Materials: An In-depth Analysis
Introduction: A hook introducing Susan Sarandon's role as Serafina Pekkala and the scope of the article.
Chapter 1: Serafina Pekkala – Character Analysis: Exploring Serafina's personality, motivations, and importance within the narrative.
Chapter 2: The Casting Choice – A Masterstroke?: Examining the impact of casting Susan Sarandon and the benefits it brought to the show.
Chapter 3: Performance Analysis – Subtly Powerful: Detailed analysis of Susan Sarandon's acting, highlighting the nuances and impactful moments.
Chapter 4: Relationship with Lyra – Mentorship and Beyond: Delving into the complex dynamic between Serafina and Lyra, highlighting its importance to the plot.
Chapter 5: Thematic Significance – Representation and Empowerment: Exploring Serafina's role in representing key themes within the show.
Chapter 6: Critical Reception and Audience Response: Reviewing critical praise and audience reactions to Susan Sarandon's portrayal.
Chapter 7: Legacy and Lasting Impact: Analyzing the enduring influence of Susan Sarandon's performance on the His Dark Materials legacy.
Conclusion: Summarizing the key arguments and reiterating the significance of Susan Sarandon's contribution.
FAQs:
1. Did Susan Sarandon appear in all seasons of His Dark Materials? No, she primarily appeared in Season 2.
2. What is Serafina Pekkala's role in His Dark Materials? She is the powerful queen of the witches of Svalbard, a key ally to Lyra Belacqua.
3. How was Susan Sarandon's performance received by critics and audiences? It received overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its nuance and subtle power.
4. What themes does Serafina Pekkala represent in the show? She embodies themes of nature, female empowerment, wisdom, and resilience.
5. How does Serafina's relationship with Lyra develop throughout the season? It begins as a strategic alliance but develops into a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
6. What made the casting of Susan Sarandon a significant choice for the show? Her star power and acting prowess elevated the show's prestige and reach.
7. What is the significance of Serafina's connection to the natural world? It highlights the show's themes of environmentalism and the intrinsic value of nature.
8. How does Susan Sarandon's portrayal contribute to the overall impact of Season 2? Her performance adds depth, complexity, and gravitas, enhancing the overall narrative.
9. Are there any plans for Serafina Pekkala's return in future seasons (if any)? As of now, there are no official plans for her return, as the series concluded its adaptation of the book trilogy.
Related Articles:
1. His Dark Materials Season 2 Review: A Deeper Dive into the Story: An in-depth review of Season 2, focusing on plot points and character development.
2. The Witches of His Dark Materials: A Closer Look at Their Powers and Roles: An exploration of the various witches in the series and their significance.
3. Lyra Belacqua's Journey: Character Arc and Growth: A detailed analysis of Lyra's transformation throughout the series.
4. The Authority's Influence: Examining the Antagonist's Power and Motivations: An exploration of the antagonist and their impact on the story.
5. The Daemons in His Dark Materials: Symbolism and Significance: An examination of the symbolic significance of daemons in the show.
6. Comparing the Books and the Show: Key Differences and Similarities: A side-by-side comparison of the source material and its adaptation.
7. The Visual Effects in His Dark Materials: A Technical Breakdown: An analysis of the special effects and their contribution to the world-building.
8. The Philosophical Underpinnings of His Dark Materials: Exploring the philosophical themes explored in the series.
9. The Cast of His Dark Materials: A Guide to the Main Characters: A character guide introducing the major players in the series.
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Susan Sarandon Betty Jo Tucker, 2004 Susan Sarandon's memorable performances have made her an American icon. Passionate and outspoken, she's often controversial. Why did Sarandon choose acting as a career? What is her acting philosophy? How does she select roles? What motivates her to promote social and political causes? Why do some people object to this? How do critics rate her work and her movies? Betty Jo Tucker answers these questions and more in an analysis of Sarandon's achievements from a film critic's perspective. Tucker's book also includes an annotated filmography of Sarandon's movies and selected reviews of her key films. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Chase's Calendar of Events 2020 Editors of Chase's, 2019-09-24 Find out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe! The world’s date book since 1957, Chase's is the definitive, authoritative, day-by-day resource of what the world is celebrating and commemorating. From national days to celebrity birthdays, from historical anniversaries to astronomical phenomena, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the must-have reference used by experts and professionals—a one-stop shop with 12,500 entries for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past. Completely updated for 2020, Chase's also features extensive appendices as well as a companion website that puts the power of Chase's at the user's fingertips. 2020--a leap year--is packed with special events and observances, including National days and public holidays of every nation on Earth The total solar eclipse The 100th anniversary of US women's suffrage (19th Amendment passed) The 75th anniversary of the end of WWII and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki The 250th birth anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven The 100th birth anniversary of Ray Bradbury The 50th anniversary of the Beatles' break up The Tokyo Olympic Games Scores of new special days, weeks and months, such as International Go-Kart Week, National Goat Yoga Month or National Catch and Release Day Birthdays of new world leaders, office holders, and breakout stars And much more! All from the reference book that Publishers Weekly calls one of the most impressive reference volumes in the world. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2020 Sarah Janssen, 2019-12-10 Get thousands of facts at your fingertips with this essential resource. The World Almanac® and Book of Facts is America’s best-selling reference book of all time, with more than 82 million copies sold. For more than 150 years, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for all your entertainment, reference, and learning needs. The 2020 edition of The World Almanac reviews the biggest events of 2019 and will be your go-to source for questions on any topic in the upcoming year. Praised as a “treasure trove of political, economic, scientific and educational statistics and information” by The Wall Street Journal, The World Almanac and Book of Facts will answer all of your trivia needs effortlessly—from history and sports to geography, pop culture, and much more. Features include: Decade in Review: As the ‘teens’ decade closes, take a look at the highlights, low points, and everything-in-between of the past 10 years. From the introduction of Obamacare and iPads in 2010 to “Old Town Road” and the immigration policy debate in 2019, The World Almanac provides a recap of events and puts into perspective just how much has—and hasn’t—changed in the last 10 years. 2020 Election Preview: The World Almanac provides a comprehensive look at the entire 2020 election process, including a calendar of state primaries and caucuses. Also includes 2019 election results for governors’ seats and special congressional elections. World Almanac Editors’ Picks: Never Say Die: With Tiger Woods achieving the seemingly impossible in 2019 with his 15th major title—his first Masters win in 14 years—the editors list their favorite major comeback moments from athletes across the sports universe. The World at a Glance: This annual feature of The World Almanac provides a quick look at the surprising stats and curious facts that define the changing world. Statistical Spotlight: A popular annual graphic feature highlights statistics relevant to the biggest news of the year. These data visualizations provide important context and new perspectives to give readers a fresh angle on key issues. The Year in Review: The World Almanac takes a look back at 2019 while providing all the information you'll need in 2020. 2019—Top 10 News Topics: The editors of The World Almanac list the top stories that held the world's attention in 2019. 2019—Year in Sports: Hundreds of pages of trivia and statistics that are essential for any sports fan, featuring coverage of the women’s World Cup soccer tournament; a preview of the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan; the World Series, improved MLB player stats, and much more. 2019—Year in Pictures: Striking full-color images from around the world in 2019, covering news, entertainment, science, and sports. 2019—Offbeat News Stories: The World Almanac editors select some of the most unusual news stories of the year. World Almanac Editors' Picks: Time Capsule: The World Almanac lists the items that most came to symbolize the year 2019, from news and sports to pop culture. New Sections: Reorganized chapters on “Food and Agriculture,” “Educational Statistics,” and “Colleges and Universities” make it easier to find information about subjects like nutrition, student loans, a directory of colleges, and much more. Other New Highlights: New statistics on income tax reform, top-grossing movies, biggest YouTube channels, religious populations in the U.S. and worldwide, and much more. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Adventures in the Screen Trade William Goldman, 2012-06-05 Enter Hollywood's inner sanctums in this gosippy and honest book, named one the top 100 film books of all time by The Hollywood Reporter, by the Academy Award-winning screenwriter and bestselling author of The Primcess Bride. No one knows the writer's Hollywood more intimately than William Goldman. Two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter and the bestselling author of The Princess Bride, Marathon Man, Tinsel, Boys and Girls Together, and other novels, Goldman now takes you behind the scenes for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men, and other films . . . .into the plush offices of Hollywood producers . . ..into the working lives of acting greats such as Redford, Olivier, Newman, and Hoffman...and into his own professional experiences and creative thought processes in the crafting of screenplays. You get a firsthand look at why and how films get made and what elements make a good screenplay. Says columnist Liz Smith, You'll be fascinated.. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: I Spit On Your Celluloid Heidi Honeycutt, 2024-08-08 Slumber Party Massacre. Pet Sematary. Near Dark. American Psycho... These horror movies have heavily contributed to pop culture and are loved by horror fans everywhere. But so many others have been forgotten by history. From the first silent reels to modern independent films, in this book you’ll discover the creepy, horrible, grotesque, beautiful, wrong, good, and fantastic — and the one thing they share in common. This is the true history of women directing horror movies. Having conducted hundreds of interviews and watched thousands of horror films, Heidi Honeycutt defines the political and cultural forces that shape the way modern horror movies are made by women. The women’s rights and civil rights movements, new distribution technology, digital cameras, the destruction of the classic studio system, and the abandonment of the Hays code have significantly impacted women directors and their movies. So, too, social media, modern ideas of gender and racial equality, LGBTQ acceptance, and a new generation of provocative, daring films that take shocking risks in the genre. Includes short films, anthologies, documentaries, animated horror, horror pornography, pink films, and experimental horror. I Spit on Your Celluloid is a first-of-its-kind celebration, study, and “a book that needed to be written” (says cult filmmaker Stephanie Rothman). You will never look at horror movies the same way again! |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Creative Stars Trish MacGregor, 2022-12-07 A fresh and insightful guide to using astrology to nurture the creative spirit. Few aspects of life are as mysterious, or as rewarding, as expressing our creativity, in whatever form it takes. Writing, painting, dancing, designing, acting, inventing, teaching—these and other creative pursuits require courage, determination, and visions, qualities that can be elusive, for beginners and professionals alike. Astrologer and writer Trish MacGregor offers more than words of encouragement; after years of astrological study and practice, she delivers concrete advice, meditations, and exercises to help each of us find and develop our creative voice. Covering Sun, Moon, Ascendant, and Jupiter signs as well as the houses and other aspects of an astrological chart. Creative Starts paints a new picture of astrology as a system for understanding our natural creative strengths and challenges. With the insights in this wise and supportive book, we can learn to summon the muse, quiet the inner critic, develop clarity, work through blocks, conquer burnout and self-doubt, and connect more deeply with the ever-renewing force of our own creativity. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: A Short History of Film Wheeler Winston Dixon, Gwendolyn Audrey Foster, 2013-02-15 A Short History of Film, Second Edition, provides a concise and accurate overview of the history of world cinema, detailing the major movements, directors, studios, and genres from 1896 through 2012. Accompanied by more than 250 rare color and black-and-white stills—including many from recent films—the new edition is unmatched in its panoramic view, conveying a sense of cinema's sweep in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries as it is practiced in the United States and around the world. Wheeler Winston Dixon and Gwendolyn Audrey Foster present new and amended coverage of the industry in addition to updating the birth and death dates and final works of notable directors. Their expanded focus on key films brings the book firmly into the digital era and chronicles the death of film as a production medium. The book takes readers through the invention of the kinetoscope, the introduction of sound and color between the two world wars, and ultimately the computer-generated imagery of the present day. It details significant periods in world cinema, including the early major industries in Europe, the dominance of the Hollywood studio system in the 1930s and 1940s, and the French New Wave of the 1960s. Attention is given to small independent efforts in developing nations and the more personal independent film movement that briefly flourished in the United States, the significant filmmakers of all nations, and the effects of censorship and regulation on production everywhere. In addition, the authors incorporate the stories of women and other minority filmmakers who have often been overlooked in other texts. Engaging and accessible, this is the best one-stop source for the history of world film available for students, teachers, and general audiences alike. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: A Short History of Film, Third Edition Wheeler Winston Dixon, Gwendolyn Audrey Foster, 2018-03-30 With more than 250 images, new information on international cinema—especially Polish, Chinese, Russian, Canadian, and Iranian filmmakers—an expanded section on African-American filmmakers, updated discussions of new works by major American directors, and a new section on the rise of comic book movies and computer generated special effects, this is the most up to date resource for film history courses in the twenty-first century. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: After Cinema Heinz Peter Schwerfel, 2024-11-06 An informative, inspiring, richly illustrated book on contemporary moving-image art. This book sets out to use the latest technologies to short-circuit the universally understandable language of the mass media and to make art once again a critical mirror of its time. Around sixty artists from more than twenty countries are presented in eight chapters, that address social, political, and scientific themes (racism, climate change, capitalism, eccentricity, sex, zeitgeist, and fashionable and frightening technologies) in a way that is playful and innovative. HEINZ PETER SCHWERFEL (*1954) lives in Paris. He works as a journalist, filmmaker and curator, and is the author of books on artists (Georg Baselitz, Jannis Kounellis) and non-fiction books such as Kunst-Skandale and Kino und Kunst. As a filmmaker, he produced films about Christian Boltanski, Rebecca Horn, Anish Kapoor, Christoph Marthaler, Annette Messager, Bruce Nauman, Cees Nooteboom, and many others, as well as TV series for the art channel ARTE ( Design, Live Art). In addition, he curated exhibitions of work by Shirin Neshat, Julian Rosefeldt, and Loukia Alavanou (Greek pavilion, 2022 Venice Biennale). |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: David Bowie , |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: The New Biographical Dictionary of Film David Thomson, 2014-05-06 For almost thirty years, David Thomson’s Biographical Dictionary of Film has been not merely “the finest reference book ever written about movies” (Graham Fuller, Interview), not merely the “desert island book” of art critic David Sylvester, not merely “a great, crazy masterpiece” (Geoff Dyer, The Guardian), but also “fiendishly seductive” (Greil Marcus, Rolling Stone). This new edition updates the older entries and adds 30 new ones: Darren Aronofsky, Emmanuelle Beart, Jerry Bruckheimer, Larry Clark, Jennifer Connelly, Chris Cooper, Sofia Coppola, Alfonso Cuaron, Richard Curtis, Sir Richard Eyre, Sir Michael Gambon, Christopher Guest, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Spike Jonze, Wong Kar-Wai, Laura Linney, Tobey Maguire, Michael Moore, Samantha Morton, Mike Myers, Christopher Nolan, Dennis Price, Adam Sandler, Kevin Smith, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlize Theron, Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski, Lew Wasserman, Naomi Watts, and Ray Winstone. In all, the book includes more than 1300 entries, some of them just a pungent paragraph, some of them several thousand words long. In addition to the new “musts,” Thomson has added key figures from film history–lively anatomies of Graham Greene, Eddie Cantor, Pauline Kael, Abbott and Costello, Noël Coward, Hoagy Carmichael, Dorothy Gish, Rin Tin Tin, and more. Here is a great, rare book, one that encompasses the chaos of art, entertainment, money, vulgarity, and nonsense that we call the movies. Personal, opinionated, funny, daring, provocative, and passionate, it is the one book that every filmmaker and film buff must own. Time Out named it one of the ten best books of the 1990s. Gavin Lambert recognized it as “a work of imagination in its own right.” Now better than ever–a masterwork by the man playwright David Hare called “the most stimulating and thoughtful film critic now writing.” |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: New York Magazine , 1989-01-16 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Susan Sarandon Marc Shapiro, 2001 Sarandon is an award-winning actress, activist, mother and wife. This book explores all the sides that make up a compassionate and committed woman. Photos. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Billboard , 1998-05-30 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Billboard , 1995-04-08 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: The Advocate , 1996-04-02 The Advocate is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) monthly newsmagazine. Established in 1967, it is the oldest continuing LGBT publication in the United States. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Billboard , 1995-03-11 In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Hollywood and Africa Opio Dokotum, 2020-02-05 Hollywood and Africa - recycling the Dark Continent myth from 19082020 is a study of over a century of stereotypical Hollywood film productions about Africa. It argues that the myth of the Dark Continent continues to influence Western cultural productions about Africa as a cognitive-based system of knowledge, especially in history, literature and film. Hollywood and Africa identifies the colonial mastertext of the Dark Continent mythos by providing a historiographic genealogy and context for the terms development and consolidation. An array of literary and paraliterary film adaptation theories are employed to analyse the deep genetic strands of HollywoodAfrica film adaptations. The mutations of the Dark Continent mythos across time and space are then tracked through the classical, neoclassical and new wave HollywoodAfrica phases in order to illustrate how Hollywood productions about Africa recycle, revise, reframe, reinforce, transpose, interrogate and even critique these tropes of Darkest Africa while sustaining the colonial mastertext and rising cyberactivism against Hollywoods whitewashing of African history. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Movies of the 90s Jürgen Müller, 2001 This book's 140 A-Z entries include synopses, film stills, and production photos. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Film Review , 2006 |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: New York Magazine , 1981-05-25 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Off the Cliff Becky Aikman, 2017-06-27 A lively and revealing behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of history's most controversial and influential movies, drawing on exclusive interviews with the cast and crew. “You’ve always been crazy,” says Louise to Thelma, shortly after she locks a police officer in the trunk of his car. “This is just the first chance you’ve had to express yourself.” In 1991, Thelma & Louise, the story of two outlaw women on the run from their disenchanted lives, was a revelation. Suddenly, a film in which women were, in every sense, behind the wheel. It turned the tables on Hollywood, instantly becoming a classic, and continues to electrify audiences as a cultural statement of defiance. But if the film’s place in history now seems certain, at the time its creation was a long shot. Only through sheer hard work and more than a little good luck did the script end up in the hands of the brilliant English filmmaker Ridley Scott, who saw its huge potential. With Scott on board, a team willing to challenge the odds came together—including the stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon and a fresh-faced up-and-coming actor named Brad Pitt, as well as legends like actor Harvey Keitel, composer Hans Zimmer, and old-school studio chief Alan Ladd Jr.—to create one of the most controversial movies of all time. But before icons like Davis and Sarandon got involved, Thelma & Louise was just an idea in the head of Callie Khouri, a thirty-year-old music video production manager, who was fed up with working behind the scenes on sleazy sets. At four a.m. one night, sitting in her car outside the ramshackle bungalow in Santa Monica that she shared with two friends, she had a vision: two women on a crime spree, fleeing their dull and tedious lives—lives like hers—in search of a freedom they had never before been able to realize. But in the late 1980s, Hollywood was dominated by men, both on the screen and behind the scenes. The likelihood of a script by an unheard-of screenwriter starring two women in lead roles actually getting made was remote. But Khouri had one thing going for her—she was so inexperienced she didn't really know she would be attempting the nigh impossible. In Off the Cliff, Becky Aikman tells the full extraordinary story behind this feminist sensation, which crashed through barricades and upended convention. Drawing on 130 exclusive interviews with the key players from this remarkable cast of actors, writers, and filmmakers, Aikman tells an inspiring and important underdog story about creativity, the magic of cinema, and the unjust obstacles that women in Hollywood continue to face to this day. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: The Official Radio 6 Music Quiz Book Nick Holt, 2016-10-27 BBC Radio 6 Music is the place for alternative music – and this is the quiz for its fans. From indie pop and iconic rock to trip hop, electronica and dance, these questions will test your knowledge of the last 60 years of floor-fillers, cult classics and the best B-sides to the limit. Including dedicated quizzes on your favourite 6 Music shows, like Lauren Laverne's People's Playlist, Guy Garvey's Finest Hour, Jarvis Cocker's Sunday Service and more, find out how much you can really call yourself the king of rock n' roll. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: MusicHound Soundtracks Didier C. Deutsch, 2000 Offers reviews of more than three thousand albums of film, television, and stage music. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: High Concept Justin Wyatt, 2010-07-22 Steven Spielberg once said, I like ideas, especially movie ideas, that you can hold in your hand. If a person can tell me the idea in twenty-five words or less, it's going to make a pretty good movie. Spielberg's comment embodies the essence of the high concept film, which can be condensed into one simple sentence that inspires marketing campaigns, lures audiences, and separates success from failure at the box office. This pioneering study explores the development and dominance of the high concept movie within commercial Hollywood filmmaking since the late 1970s. Justin Wyatt describes how box office success, always important in Hollywood, became paramount in the era in which major film studios passed into the hands of media conglomerates concerned more with the economics of filmmaking than aesthetics. In particular, he shows how high concept films became fully integrated with their marketing, so that a single phrase (Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...) could sell the movie to studio executives and provide copy for massive advertising campaigns; a single image or a theme song could instantly remind potential audience members of the movie, and tie-in merchandise could generate millions of dollars in additional income. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Fantasy Newsletter , 1983 |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: New York Magazine , 1983-03-07 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors Jerry Roberts, 2009-06-05 From live productions of the 1950s like Requiem for a Heavyweight to big budget mini-series like Band of Brothers, long-form television programs have been helmed by some of the most creative and accomplished names in directing. Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors brings attention to the directors of these productions, citing every director of stand alone long-form television programs: made for TV movies, movie-length pilots, mini-series, and feature-length anthology programs, as well as drama, comedy, and musical specials of more than 60 minutes. Each of the nearly 2,000 entries provides a brief career sketch of the director, his or her notable works, awards, and a filmography. Many entries also provide brief discussions of key shows, movies, and other productions. Appendixes include Emmy Awards, DGA Awards, and other accolades, as well as a list of anthology programs. A much-needed reference that celebrates these often-neglected artists, Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of the medium. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: The Motion Picture Guide Jay Robert Nash, Stanley Ralph Ross, 1996 |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: New York Magazine , 1983-03-14 New York magazine was born in 1968 after a run as an insert of the New York Herald Tribune and quickly made a place for itself as the trusted resource for readers across the country. With award-winning writing and photography covering everything from politics and food to theater and fashion, the magazine's consistent mission has been to reflect back to its audience the energy and excitement of the city itself, while celebrating New York as both a place and an idea. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Ridley Scott Ridley Scott, 2005 Collected interviews with the British filmmaker of classics such as Blade Runner, Alien, and Gladiator |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Leonard Maltin's 2015 Movie Guide Leonard Maltin, 2014-09-02 NEARLY 16,000 ENTRIES INCLUDING 300+ NEW ENTRIES AND MORE THAN 13,000 DVD LISTINGS Summer blockbusters and independent sleepers; masterworks of Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, and Martin Scorsese; the timeless comedy of the Marx Brothers and Buster Keaton; animated classics from Walt Disney and Pixar; the finest foreign films ever made. This 2015 edition covers the modern era, from 1965 to the present, while including all the great older films you can’t afford to miss—and those you can—from box-office smashes to cult classics to forgotten gems to forgettable bombs, listed alphabetically, and complete with all the essential information you could ask for. NEW: • Nearly 16,000 capsule movie reviews, with 300+ new entries • More than 25,000 DVD and video listings • Up-to-date list of mail-order and online sources for buying and renting DVDs and videos MORE: • Official motion picture code ratings from G to NC-17 • Old and new theatrical and video releases rated **** to BOMB • Exact running times—an invaluable guide for recording and for discovering which movies have been edited • Reviews of little-known sleepers, foreign films, rarities, and classics • Leonard’s personal list of Must-See Movies • Date of release, running time, director, stars, MPAA ratings, color or black and white • Concise summary, capsule review, and four-star-to-BOMB rating system • Precise information on films shot in widescreen format • Symbols for DVDs, videos, and laserdiscs • Completely updated index of leading actors |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: A Horrible Experience of Unbearable Length Roger Ebert, 2012-03-06 Presents scathing reviews for over two hundred movies that the reviewer has given a rating of two stars or fewer since 2006. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Reel Views 2 James Berardinelli, 2005 Thoroughly revised and updated for 2005! Includes a new chapter on the best special edition DVDs and a new chapter on finding hidden easter egg features. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Ultimate DVD. , 2006 |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Orange Coast Magazine , 1998-10 Orange Coast Magazine is the oldest continuously published lifestyle magazine in the region, bringing together Orange County¹s most affluent coastal communities through smart, fun, and timely editorial content, as well as compelling photographs and design. Each issue features an award-winning blend of celebrity and newsmaker profiles, service journalism, and authoritative articles on dining, fashion, home design, and travel. As Orange County¹s only paid subscription lifestyle magazine with circulation figures guaranteed by the Audit Bureau of Circulation, Orange Coast is the definitive guidebook into the county¹s luxe lifestyle. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Halliwell's Film, Video & DVD Guide , 2008 |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2011 Roger Ebert, 2010-12-14 Reviews originally appeared in the Chicago sun-times. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2012 Roger Ebert, 2011-12-06 The only film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize, Roger Ebert collects his reviews from the last 30 months in Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2012. Forbes Magazine described Ebert as the most powerful pundit in America. In January 2011, he and his wife, Chaz, launched Ebert Presents at the Movies, a weekly public television program in the tradition that he and Gene Siskel began 35 years earlier. Since 1986, each edition of Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook has presented full-length movie reviews, with interviews, essays, tributes, journal entries, and Questions for the Movie Answer Man, and new entries in his popular Movie Glossary. Inside Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2012, readers can expect to find every movie review Ebert has written from January 2009 to July 2011, including The Social Network, Waiting for Superman, Inception, The King's Speech, My Dog Tulip, The Human Centipede, and more. Also included in the Yearbook are: * In-depth interviews with newsmakers and celebrities, such as John Waters and Justin Timberlake. * Memorial tributes to those in the film industry who have passed away, such as Blake Edwards, Tony Curtis, and Arthur Penn. * Essays on the Oscars and reports from the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals. |
| susan sarandon his dark materials: Southern Communities , 1997 |
