by Landen Kennedy
The March Sisters. From Left to Right, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, Saoirse Ronan as Jo, and Eliza Scanlen as Beth
After receiving critical acclaim with her 2017 film Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig’s name was thrust to the forefront of the discussion of female directors, and modern directors in general. It was no surprise that her next directorial venture would be met with anticipation. Gerwig’s efforts were poured into adapting a classic work of literature that had been adapted for the screen many times before: Lousia May Alcott’s Little Women. Being that the source material has been adapted many times before, the biggest hurdle that Gerwig’s interpretation had to jump was to stand out from other versions and to breathe new life into the well known and beloved story.
Gerwig achieves a unique take on the source material by manipulating the plot structure. The novel takes place in a linear chronology, but this adaptation jumps back and forth through time. Two distinct periods are portrayed, events that take place before Jo March (played by Saoirse Ronan) moves to New York, and events that take place after she decides to move back home. This time-skipping technique allows for a more dynamic and interesting narrative structure, as similar events can be told at the same time. For example, Beth March (played by Eliza Scanlen) gets an illness twice, once in each time period. We are able to watch both of those instances of her illness unfold at the same time on screen despite being seperated in the story for an extended period of time. The time jump can be a little bit jarring for those who are familiar with the novel or other adaptations, but simple lighting tricks and costume details serve as cues for which time period is being shown. A warmer lighting permeates the “past” storyline and a bluer lighting effect shows us the more “present” events.
Gerwig achieves a unique take on the source material by manipulating the plot structure. The novel takes place in a linear chronology, but this adaptation jumps back and forth through time. Two distinct periods are portrayed, events that take place before Jo March (played by Saoirse Ronan) moves to New York, and events that take place after she decides to move back home. This time-skipping technique allows for a more dynamic and interesting narrative structure, as similar events can be told at the same time. For example, Beth March (played by Eliza Scanlen) gets an illness twice, once in each time period. We are able to watch both of those instances of her illness unfold at the same time on screen despite being seperated in the story for an extended period of time. The time jump can be a little bit jarring for those who are familiar with the novel or other adaptations, but simple lighting tricks and costume details serve as cues for which time period is being shown. A warmer lighting permeates the “past” storyline and a bluer lighting effect shows us the more “present” events.
Greta Gerwig (left) and Meryl Streep (right) on the set of Little Women, a recreation of an 1800s style home
The film features an impressive cast, consisting the before mentioned Saoirse Ronan and Eliza Scanlen, as well as Emma Watson and Florence Pugh as the other two sisters, Meg and Amy March respectively. Laura Dern plays the March sisters’ mother, Marmee, and Meryl Streep plays their rich Aunt March. Timothée Chalamet plays the March sisters’ neighbor and friend “Laurie” Lawrence, and Bob Odenkirk makes an appearance as Father March. The casting in the film is very impressive, and the portrayal of the March Sisters, especially Jo and Amy are highly entertaining and well done.
What makes the film constantly entertaining is a constant energy between the characters. There is never a dull moment in the March household, as the sisters are always joking, teasing, talking over each other, and laughing together. While one or two characters will be talking about something important, around them the rest of the family is also talking and often interrupting or talking over the others. This makes the scenes come alive and feel like a real house full of people. It also allows for many humorous lines or reactions to add a bit of fun to what could easily become a dialogue heavy and uninteresting scene. Since a lot of the film takes place in the house and between groups of people talking, the humor and energy is necessary to keep the film light and fun. Despite this, the film is not afraid to become quiet and contemplative, or even deeply sad when it needs to be.
What makes the film constantly entertaining is a constant energy between the characters. There is never a dull moment in the March household, as the sisters are always joking, teasing, talking over each other, and laughing together. While one or two characters will be talking about something important, around them the rest of the family is also talking and often interrupting or talking over the others. This makes the scenes come alive and feel like a real house full of people. It also allows for many humorous lines or reactions to add a bit of fun to what could easily become a dialogue heavy and uninteresting scene. Since a lot of the film takes place in the house and between groups of people talking, the humor and energy is necessary to keep the film light and fun. Despite this, the film is not afraid to become quiet and contemplative, or even deeply sad when it needs to be.
Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) and Theodore "Laurie" Lawrence (Timothée Chalamet), Jo's potential love interest
As a male in an audience of mostly older ladies, I was not nearly as big a fan of the novel as the rest of the crowd in the small theater I saw it in. There were constant gasps and chatter and the occasional sniffling of tears in the room. I have never read the book or seen another adaptation of it before, yet I found myself just as emotionally invested in the characters as the rest of the audience. It was not until the end that my complete enthrallment in the film was slightly lessened. I felt that the resolution of the story and the wrapping up of subplots seemed to be a bit rushed, and I was not as involved emotionally because of it. That is not to say that the ending is bad, but I did feel less attached to the fate of Jo March and whether or not she would choose to marry someone.
The film earned several Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture and for Best Adapted Screenplay. Oscars wins are certainly not a metric one should use to judge whether or not a film is good, however, I feel that both of these nominations are accurate and well deserved. I have not been so emotionally connected with the characters and story of a film in a long time. The way Gerwig directs the film, and the way the actors deliver their performances makes you feel like you are truly there with the March family. I cannot recommend the film enough. I am sure that this film will mean a lot to many people, perhaps more so to women, yet I still find myself reflecting on the film weeks after seeing it. I believe everyone can watch this film and come away with something.
The film earned several Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture and for Best Adapted Screenplay. Oscars wins are certainly not a metric one should use to judge whether or not a film is good, however, I feel that both of these nominations are accurate and well deserved. I have not been so emotionally connected with the characters and story of a film in a long time. The way Gerwig directs the film, and the way the actors deliver their performances makes you feel like you are truly there with the March family. I cannot recommend the film enough. I am sure that this film will mean a lot to many people, perhaps more so to women, yet I still find myself reflecting on the film weeks after seeing it. I believe everyone can watch this film and come away with something.
