Review by guest contributors Ashley Alserda Jensen and Kaitlyn Alserda
The Sundance 2020 film “The Glorias” is based on Gloria Steinem’s autobiography, “My Life on the Road.” Screenplay by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Julie Taymor and starring Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander. Special appearances by Janelle Monae and Bette Midler. This film takes you on a journey through Gloria Steinem’s childhood, family trials, her loving and supportive relationship with her father, and all of the people she meets along the way.
Director Julie Taymor and Gloria Steinem and attend the World Premiere of The Glorias, an official selection of the Premieres section at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. © 2020 Sundance Institute | photo by Jemal Countess.
Ms. Steinem is a well-known journalist, a crucial leader and a spokeswoman of the Women’s Civil Rights Movement, mainly in the sixties and seventies. She fought for women’s rights including, but not limited to women’s abortion rights, indigenous women’s rights, as well as other minorities. This film is important for people to see, especially those who didn’t grow up in the sixties and seventies. The film documents some of the influential stories Gloria Steinem wrote, including the story about going undercover and working as a Playboy Bunny. Her influence on female empowerment is known worldwide, and it is incredible to watch a film that captures a person in such a lovely portrayal and biographical sense.
Julianne Moore stands out with her almost perfect portrayal of Gloria Steinem. Actress Alicia Vikander is powerful and outstanding in her role as a younger Ms. Stei-nem. This film has several essential messages for people to take home with them and hopefully, many people will see it, because it is so important.
Producer Alex Saks, Director Julie Taymor, Gloria Steinem, and Producer Lynn Hendee attend the World Premiere of The Glorias, an official selection of the Premieres section at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. © 2020 Sundance Institute | photo by Jemal Countess.
At the premiere, there was a man in the theater that was very surprised to hear that women used to use coat hangers to perform their own abortions because during that time it was still illegal for a woman to have an abortion. This film is an important biopic to say the least. A historical liberation of womanhood, captured through a fascinating journey of Steinem’s constant need to stand up for herself, and all other oppressed women. This Sundance 2020 film will move you and show you that change can start with one brave person.
