"Equality"

Author(s): Ryan
Location: Portland

"Equality"

Directed by Stephen Frears
Written by Michael Hirst and Patrick Marber

Main Cast

Sigourney Weaver as Jeannette Rankin
Jessica Lange as Katherine Anthony
Timothy Hutton as Paul Rankin
Tom Wilkinson as Rep. George Wilson

Tagline: "In a State Run by Man, She Fought for Change"

Synopsis: On November 7, 1916, Jeannette Rankin became the first woman to gain election into the United States Congress. “Equality” is her story.

It was a beautiful day in Helena, Montana. Birds sat perched on tree branches singing songs into the wind. Cattle lay peacefully in the shadows cast over by the nearby hills and the blistering sun shined upon the congressmen as they trekked up the marble stairs into the capitol building. Accompanied by her best friend and fellow activist, Katherine Anthony (Lange), Jeannette Rankin (Weaver) sits patiently in a nearby office waiting to address the newly convened congress. As the congressmen settle into their desks, Rankin is called up to the podium to discuss women’s roles in society. Not a single member of congress plans to take this speech seriously, but as a graduate of the University of Washington, Rankin knows she will impress. Word for word, line for line, she subtly draws the attention of the group. Jeannette and Katherine walk out of the capitol building that day feeling good, but knowing there is still progress to be made.

After a visit to her brother Paul (Hutton), Jeannette decides to run for one of two available seats in the Montana State Congress. She is apprehensive to learn she must run against Rep. George Wilson (Wilkinson), one of the states most powerful and intolerant lawmakers. Rep. Wilson stands firm on his belief that women have no place in the democratic system.

As the campaign trail begins to heat up, Paul decides he’ll run Jeannette’s campaign allowing her to spend more time talking about women’s right along with other issues prevalent in Montana. Jeannette slowly begins to form a following, which worries formally arrogant George. Surely, a woman can’t beat him in the election. To ensure his victory, George commences running a smear-campaign; questioning Jeannette’s promiscuity and her love for the state of Montana. As Election Day becomes closer, increasingly more people begin to take Jeannette seriously and ignore Rep. Wilson’s dirty tactics. Katherine and Paul are in full force to win this election. The election is sure to be one of the closest races in Montana history. In the end, Jeannette Rankin becomes the first female ever elected to United States Congress with 54% of the vote. However, her first vote in Congress, against the entry into World War I, dooms her political career. She will only last two years in Congress, but her impact will last a lifetime.

What the Press would say:

Women hold a prominent role in society today. They are doctors, lawyers, and lawmakers, but have you ever thought whom it started with? Stephen Frears’ new film Equality delves into the life of women’s rights activist Jeannette Rankin. Frears’ direction is superb in this cunning tale of the strive towards equality. What makes it so brilliant is that Frears doesn’t over direct it and allows his outstanding veteran cast to be themselves. Sigourney Weaver gives an Oscar-caliber performance as the lead character. She completely incarnates herself inside this role of Jeannette and gives the performance of her life. Weaver said recently “This is the most important role I will ever take. I can only hope my performance does the life of Ms. Rankin justice.” Not only does she do Jeannette’s life justice, she exceeds expectations far and away from what myself thought she could do. Jessica Lange gives a tremendous performance as Katherine, Jeannette’s best friend. Katherine is always there for Jeannette and the chemistry between Weaver and Lange portrays that. In maybe the best role of the year, Tom Wilkinson gives an eerie, arrogant, egotistical, yet brilliant performance that makes me clench my fist whenever he’s onscreen. It’s amazing how Wilkinson portrays this bigoted congressman. The best scenes in the movies take place when Weaver and Wilkinson are at each other’s throat. Whether it be during debates or behind the scenes, the two actors shine in these moments. In all, “Equality” is easily one of the best films of the year and should lead many categories come awards time.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Director: Stephen Frears
Best Actress: Sigourney Weaver
Best Supporting Actor: Tom Wilkinson
Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Lange
Best Adapted Screenplay