Yet, feels like the criteria for this genre is progressively evolving.
Harlan considers himself a cowboy trapped in the soulless, arid modernity of San Fernando Valley.
Daniel BarbersThe Keeping Room(2015) centers on three southern women in the aftermath of the Civil War.
When Louise suffers a wound, Augusta rides to the neighbor only to discover shes drunk poison.
Theyre utterly self sufficient, whether or not they embrace that autonomy.
Theres a cunningness to these feminine protagonists, as well as an acute internal strength.
You see that same grit in Hillary Swanks Mary Bee Cuddy in Tommy Lee JonessThe Homesman(2014).
However, shes rejected under the premise that shes too bossy.
Hes soon accompanying her on her journey to Iowa as an accomplice.
They copulate, and when George awakens in the morning, Mary Bee has hanged herself.
Its a surprising, darkly disturbing moment in the film for a variety of reasons.
Mary Bees suicide seems completely out of left field, even if her circumstances are relatively bleak.
The positioning of those two scenes suggests that her sexual needs are what ultimately lead to her demise.
Its an uncomfortable plot twist that turns Georges character into a patriarchal and paternalistic figure.
It almost appears as if Swanks character has to die so that Jones character can flourish.
The hero represents a way of life that is becoming antiquated.
But Portman is not a damsel in distress.
Is Jane the stereotypical trope of the battered damsel?
Or is she more complex, more nuanced, under Portmans careful performance and deft acting ability?
Still, Daisy is no sweet Southern Belle.
Weve got ourHomesman, but were still waiting on our Homeswoman.
