In 1966, for some sociological reason, Hollywoood offered two films about Catholic convents and female collectives. The first, directed by a man (Lumet's 'The Group'), predictably defined its women by men, sex and neurosis. It hasn't aged well. This wonderful film, written and directed by women, and in which men are ineffectual or caricatured, is truly feminist, and explores less cliched or limiting issues like friendship, loyalty, community, creativity, faith. Clothes are a crucial motif as you would expect, literally and symbolically, visualising the way characters have to negotiate their genders, societies, personalities and future. The film is emotionally generous too, using point of view to highlight the limitations of each character and their growing awareness.
Review of The Trouble with Angels
