Mona Lisa Smile DVD Review

"MONA LISA SMILE" reviews

DVD

MONA LISA SMILE

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-10-26 11:16:32

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

While few doubted the superlative performance from Julianne Moore in Far From Heaven, more raised concerns that her '50s housewife could be so downtrodden and committed to her husband. She was always dutiful despite the fact that their marriage was little more than a farce. Well this melodrama from Four Weddings... director Mike Newell illustrates just where women such as Cathy Whitaker were groomed.

Set during the 1953 / 54 academic year, Mona Lisa Smile is set at the prestigious Wellesley College where the future wives of corporate businessmen are given lessons in such riveting subjects as table setting, deportment and grooming and are told that, in a few years, "your sole responsibility will be taking care of your husband and children." However, new arts history teacher Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) wants to show her young charges that there is much more to life than this but soon finds herself facing accusations of subversion.

Full of accomplished performances - with Roberts taking the lead and young stars Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Julia Stiles following with gusto - and an inspired script, this is a powerful offering which gives a strong statement about female empowerment.

Copyright © MRIB 2005.