Reaction to Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise depicts the story of two woman trapped in very different circumstances but almost of the same extremism. In the film the two characters appear to take on male characteristics as they become more independent and in control of their own lives. However, this freedom proceeds to breed corruption in the two characters as they go on a rampage robbing stores by use of weapons and violence; a complete contrast to their usual feminine dull lives. The film begins with a preview of both women’s lives. Thelma is a house wife and is depicted as nervous around her husband as he talks down to her. This is demonstrated by props such as a chocolate bar she continuously gets out of the fridge and then puts back again (obviously jumpy). Louise however appears much more independent as a waitress, working in her own right. Both of these situations are stereo-typical of women. The film overall broke through barriers in 1990, met by critical acclaim and criticism it went against the tradition of male characters in such circumstances; and cast women in role of violent ruthless characters.