The Zhoosh! Brighton Blog
“BORN IN FLAMES” (15) dir: Lizzie Borden USA 1983
There might be some connection – a coincidence of a cinematic kind perhaps – when a rare category, exempli gratia films made by women about women, follow each other to the box office. I am thinking of “The Iron Lady” re Margaret Thatcher (dir: Phyllida Lloyd) and “W.E.” re Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII (dir: Madonna) both of which propelled me speedily into the local popcorn pits, keen to be underwhelmed by America filmplays about two of the most hated women in british history.
In fact I was not disappointed. We did not go to wonder at Mrs Thatcher, but rather to admire Ms Streep’s flawless performance surely ! And Madonna’s first stab at directing a reinvention of Mrs Simpson? Better luck next time ! would not be an inaccurate comment.
But worrisome thoughts wriggle in the midnight hours. Why have I when writing this blog denied both women the courtesy of their titles? Why is it that, even in as late in history as the 20th century, two women, in whose unsafe hands nations were seen to be hurtling towards disaster – were so hated?
And think earlier – Joan of Arc had a hand in changing French history did she not …..Look what happened to her!
One would hope that the great launderette of time will come to rinse away the obloquies from yesteryear. But the American ogress and the British dragon still remain unwashed inside dual mephitic taints of arrogance and ambition, although cosily explained now by the effects of dodgy YXX chromosomes ** and incipient dementia.
So are the fears for the future of womankind depicted in the iconic film “Born in Fames” justified? Will nothing change ? Behold how the promises of Equality and Justice after the Second American Socialist Revolution begin to drain away ? Why is violence to women, sexism and racism, like emblems of the undead, returning to haunt the streets of New York ……
This was the vision of Lizzie Borden, the woman director of Born in Flames in 1983. The connection of the cinematic kind continues. But was Ms Borden right? Come and see the film and make up you own mind.
Born in Flames is being shown as part of LGBT History Month Sunday 5th 11AM at Duke of York’s Picture House, Preston Circus, Brighton, BN1 4NA. Book Tickets: Duke of Yorks Cinema. Phone: 0871 704 2068.
Tickets £7 on the door and in advance (D of Y members concessions ap)
Find out more: Zhoosh Events Guide
**see “That Woman” by Anne Serra 2011. [ Madonna has very clearly read this biography ]
