You Probs Didn’t Realize These Classic Films Were Written By Women
For centuries women have been getting the short end of the stick when it comes to almost everything, and Hollywood is no exception. The lack of female presence behind the camera is pretty sad.
In more recent years, the inclusivity of female directors and leads has been at a high compared to past years. Just look at what the brilliant creator Ava DuVernay is doing with TV series “Queen Sugar” on OWN, where she has made it her mission to only hire female directors. She’s is part of today’s push to shine the light on women in Hollywood.
When we look for female leaders in Hollywood, we generally only pay attention to the directors and actors, but what about the screen writers?
These key players often get overlooked by their fellow creators, but they play such a crucial part in making a film — and they always have.
Below are some classic films you may not have known were written by women.
1. American Psycho (2000)
Written by: Mary Harron and Guinevere Turner
I bet you didn’t know one of your favorite funny horror film was written by two women writers. Not only was this 2000 flick written by women, but also directed by a one as well, Mary Harron.
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Written by: Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron not only received praises for her work in the beloved 80s classic, but she also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. The story about two New Yorkers who feared falling in love due to their friendship was even name 30 Most Romantic Movies of All Time by US Weekly.
3. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Written by: Lorene Scafaria
You can thank Lorene for making Michael Cera and Kat Dennings so damn lovable in a story where two teenagers basically end falling for each after a night of pretending to be bf/gf, searching for a secret band show, and a drunken best friend.
4. The Little Rascals (1998)
Written by: Penelope Spheeris (along with Paul Guay and Stephen Mazur)
I mean come on! I personally feel a woman’s touch to this film was necessary because it created the greatest love story of all time… Alfalfa and Darla.
5. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Written By: Betty Comden (along with Adolph Green)
Known for her work with her musical comedy partner, Adolph Green, Betty created one of the most widely acclaimed of musicals to have ever existed.
6. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)
Written by: June Mathis
I don’t about you, but I had no clue a female writer had part in producing a film that would creation such an cultural impact. Even today, you see the story of the Four Horsemen played on screen — more recently in Fox’s Sleepy Hollow.
7. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Written by: Randi Mayem Singer and Leslie Dixon
One of the ultimate classics, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” played by the late Robin Williams, has continued to be a staple in American family homes and it’s only right that you need the perspective of two rad women when you have a man playing one.
8. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Written by: Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens (along with Peter Jackson)
Boys are not the only ones who love a good fantasy film. And with two lead women writers at the forefront of this fantasy classic, it gets better.
