They say three makes a trend. And here we have three lesbian romances coming to our big screens. I call it the Carol Effect, this new slew of movies about ladies who love ladies is – of course – very welcome. The films are in various stages of production from the just announced to the already finished. I have no idea which will be good or even great or remotely worth passing the torch from “Carol.” But I am happy to handicap the field here, based on gloved lunch possibilities.
“Tell It to the Bees”
Just announced this week, the period drama is based on the book by the same name by Fiona Shaw. Set in 1950s small-town Britain it stars Anna Paquin as a young doctor who returns home to take over her late father’s practice who starts a relationship with a young mother, played by Holliday Grainger. A 50s lesbian romance? We are talking major glove lunch opportunities.
“Disobedience”
Completed and set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, this film is based on a novel by the same name by Naomi Alderman and is set in present-day London. It stars Rachel Weisz as a rabbi’s daughter who returns home after her father’s death (hold up, I sense a theme) and then rekindles a relationship with her friend, played by Rachel McAdams. From set photos, they may be wearing gloves, but somehow I don’t think they’ll be ordering poached eggs over creamed spinach for lunch anytime soon.
“Vita & Virginia”
Apparently still in pre-production, this film is based on the lives and love of literary greats Virginia Woolf and author Vita Sackville-West. The writers first met each other in 1922 and they had a decade-long affair.
So, which lesbian (or bisexual – I don’t know how everyone personally identifies) romance are you most excited about? And, yes, I realize these are all very white couplings. Bring a little color into your romances, Hollywood. Alas, baby steps. Still, be sure to remember to lay a fresh glove on your “Carol” alter at home in thanks of this cinematic bounty.
This is indeed something to be happy about. Virginia Woolf is my absolute favourite and have always loved her work. If you have not already done so please read "Orlando" her gift/love letter to Vita.
ReplyDeleteI second Helena's recommendation of 'Orlando' and eagerly look forward to each of these wonderful-looking projects.
ReplyDeleteNice! Now let's just keep everyone alive by the end of the movies. Enough with the "Dead lesbian syndrome"
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Britain for queer (period) dramas! Gloves and a cup of tea, my dear!
ReplyDeleteI know these movies being made are a good thing. But I look at them and I'm like white..white..white...hey another white woman.
ReplyDeleteYeah it figures that you would once again you promote a lame and tired trope of queerness. The 'Carol\ effect? Are you serious? Cheesus Cripes, really?
ReplyDeleteEva Green dropped out of "Vita and Virginia" since that linked article was written.
ReplyDeleteShe's been replaced by Andrea Riseborough.
I was wondering why the couples look alike? Side by side-same hair, similar looks...weird. And I second the lack of diversity. Fingers crossed the films turn out well. Thanks for the heads up.
ReplyDeleteYet another change in casting to Vita and Virgina.
ReplyDeleteNow Elizabeth Debicki has been cast as Virginia Woolf. According to this article filming starts September 4th.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4759310/Elizabeth-Debicki-star-literary-lioness-Virginia-Woolf.html