Little Women: Gerwig's Reimagined Classic
Greta Gerwig's take on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women brings a freshness, life, and emotion to the material that has been around for generations through re-imagining the plot and chronology of the classic literary piece. The film offers a family draw due to its release date and an opportunity for new generations of females to experience Little Women for the first time or people familiar with it to revisit.
Gerwig masterfully respects the story's old-fashioned origins while bringing in an undertone of modern-day femininity. The idea of self-actualization outside of marriage is explored occasionally and questions of female oppression are raised. The film is driven by its stellar ensemble led by Saoirse Ronan as Jo March and Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothee Chalamet, Eliza Scanlen and Meryl Streep in supporting roles.
Gerwig begins the film with Jo already living independently in New York City as a tutor who sends money back home to her family. Jo's younger sister Amy is currently in Paris working on her painting and she is being courted by a wealthy man but runs into an old friend Laurie while in Europe that reignites her childhood crush on him. Meg is a married woman with two children that live with her schoolteacher husband in a small cottage. While the piano playing Beth remains in the background of the beginning of the film due to her illness.
The film then jumps back seven years to the sister's childhood and adolescence in their Concord house that consisted of plays, fights and ice skating. The March household is run by Marmee who showers the girls with love in their high energy and jealously filled home. Gerwig does a great job in creating the all-female environment of the home with making the energy vibrant and portraying the sisters as both friends and enemies and drawing a linear timeline between their actions and how it has lead to their current states. Marmee wants to set an example of charity in the home.
The bonds of the family are shown through intimacy with explosions of anger. Gerwig allows each girl to be their own person and follow their hearts through their decisions and actions in the film. Gerwig does a great job of setting different degrees of emotions throughout the March girls. The March girls all have a different idea of romance and it is emphasized throughout the film. Gerwig shows a deep feeling for her material and the original material.
The chemistry between Ronan and Chalamet is truly charming. They reverse traditional gender roles in their relationship with Jo's determination and Laurie's mellowness. The heartbreaking moment of Laurie being rejected by Jo makes audiences ache as we watch his face and posture crumble as he pleads for her. Chalamet is a true standout while Ronan plays her role with a firm, diplomatic nature.
A major central arc of the film is Jo's aspiring writing career. The moment when she watches her novel being produced through the printing press and bookbinders putting it together. It makes evident that Jo's upbringing is the fuel of her voice.
The vain Amy is a compelling character in this version. She is often redeemed by her love for her sisters but displays acts of selfishness repeatedly. Pugh plays the role of charm, grace, and humor that makes her incredibly watchable. When her character gives up paintings it emphasizes that she won't do anything in halves and is determined to be the best at it or not do it.
It is Ronan who drives the entire film through her portrayal of Jo. She is full of fire and energy wit her messy locks and wardrobe choices of topcoats and shirts with ties. She is dismissive of the rules for young women and wants more than marriage. She has such a natural authority that she feels that she can do anything she sets her heart and mind to. Jo is a force.
Gerwig's directing illuminates themes of youthfulness and discovery in adulthood. It is grounded in emotion that comes alive outside the screen. Gerwig has managed to reshape a classic for new generations to have as their own and love.