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There is nothing I love in films like the delivery of a powerful monologue. You know, one of those moments when an actor completely takes over the scene and has you glued to the screen, listening carefully to every single word of the speech.
These moments have the ability to change how we perceive a certain character, to change the meaning of the film entirely even, to make you relate with the character delivering it, or it could be just a statement so true to our reality that we can't help but applaud.
As an entry for Dell's Girl Week Blogathon, I decided I would share with you some of my favourite monologues delivered by women in films, monologues that all are powerful in their own way.
Rose Maxson (Viola Davis) - Fences
This is one of the most touching scenes I've ever seen. I can't watch it without crying as think of all the women in the world who have sacrificed their whole lives, their dreams and their needs, to support their husbands no matter what.
Kathrine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) - Hidden Figures
While I can't personally relate to it, this is one of the most powerful and emotional monologues I've witnessed. It shows the kind of shit coloured people had to experience while also making a statement about racism. It's often said that racism is ignorance but this moment goes to show that it is not true. Educated, erudite people can be racist too.
Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) - Little Women
This is the scene from Greta Gerwig's latest film that brought me to tears. I could relate so much to Jo in this moment it really hurt.
Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern) - Marriage Story
Whether you liked Noah Baumbach's film or not, I am sure you will agree with me that Dern's monologue, along with the heartbreaking argument, is one of the most memorable moments of the film. Not only the actor owns it, but the speech itself is so true it hurts.
M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Fields) - Steel Magnolias
While I wasn't a fan of the film, Fields's monologue towards the ending is beyond heartbreaking as she conveys all the wild emotions of losing a daughter to perfection. I lost a cousin fifteen years ago, and I still tear up when I think of him; this scene made me realise what my aunt went through and I really can't blame her anymore for the way she acted after the accident.
I haven't seen Little Women yet, but the rest I'd already loved. Great choices. Thanks for another great entry!
ReplyDeleteIt is really good. I haven't seen the other adaptations of the novel but this one will always easily be my favourite for the way Gerwig handled it. And thank you again for hosting Girl Week!
DeleteI love this post! The only one of yours I haven't seen is Steel Magnolias but I probably should just based on that scene. These are great monologues.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a fan of the film itself but I'd say it's worth seeing for that scene alone. It is so powerful. And the way the other characters joke after as a way to distract her really worked for me.
DeleteWith the exception of Fences which I haven't seen. I'm with you on these monologues. The one in Hidden Figures is great as I just love what Kevin Costner does after that scene as he was like "man, fuck this racist shit. There, now you can piss in the nearby bathroom".
ReplyDeleteKevin Costner's action is actually what I didn't like about it because apparently Johnson herself had already taken down the sing and we don't really need another white man saving the day.
DeleteI haven't seen this version of Little Women yet (but I will) nor Marriage Story (more of a maybe) but the others are great choices.
ReplyDeleteI didn't love Fences but I did love Viola Davis in it, she's one of the best at letting loose with lacerating dialog.
Love Hidden Figures and her anger in that scene is so earned an so well articulated. Wonderful performances and terrific film.
I LOVE Steel Magnolias!! I've always held a special affection for it because I saw the original Off-Broadway production, very different since it was stage bound but the emotions were the same. Anyway I love all the performances in the picture but Sally stands tall particularly in that scene where she works through years of fear, loss and pain while tearing the audience's heart out. I really don't understand how she missed on a nomination that year.
I can't believe it either. Her performance was so good. I guess she was overlooked because the film itself didn't do very well with critics. I don't know.
DeleteWonderful picks! Viola's monologue gives me chills. It's hard to believe she gave that type of performance on stage several times a week. Love the other scenes too especially Little Women and Marriage Story.
ReplyDeleteIt's not surprising though as she is one of the best actors working.
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