Moving Movie Monologues

Ah. Monologues. Most actors probably crave them monologues. It's that one significant moment that can make or break an actor's performance. A good monologue is either wonderfully written or beautifully acted. Perhaps both.

There is an overwhelming profusion of soliloquy ever since cinema bid adieu to the silent era — but only few captivated yours truly. Here are some of them. (In chronological order.)

Charles Chaplin as A Jewish Barber
The Great Dictator, 1940

We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery we need humanity. More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.

After being mistaken for Adenoid Hynkel aka the great dictator, A Jewish Barber was compelled to give a speech in front of "his people." (Here's the speech's transcript.)

In this touching speech, the silent film icon laid bare both the good and bad side of humanity. A universal statement of the human existence, this monologue has the power to edify one's mind and soul.

(The speech's "Inception remix" is just... wow!)

Natalie Wood as Maria
West Side Story, 1961

All of you! You all killed him. And my brother. And Riff. Not with bullets and guns. With hate! Well, l can kill too, because now l have hate!

After her lover dies because of the street war between the Jets and the Sharks, Maria berates all those involved in the senseless fight. Maria's monologue defines the very idea of war: hate.

What would happen if the world is consumed with hate? World war!

Fave LGB-Themed Movies

And the song goes: "Measure your life in love." In celebration of SCOTUS' historic decision on same-sex marriage, I compiled my ten favorite LGB-themed movies.

(In no particular order.)

Fried Green Tomatoes

Jon Avnet, 1991

An all-time fave movie of mine, Fried Green Tomatoes is a delicious film about the struggles and triumphs of women. To appeal to a wider range of audience, the film discusses lesbian love in a very discreet manner, presenting Ruth and Idgie (Mary-Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson) as BFFs more than lovers. (I suggest checking out the novel to get a clearer picture of Ruth and Idgie’s love story.)

When Women Flirt with Women

So, you're a lesbian (or maybe a bi female). You love women. You enjoy munching cupcakes. And rainbow is your favorite color. Oh yes. You love anything sapphic. However, you dread the obligatory viewing of The L Word and its evil offspring The Real L Word.

As a lady-loving female, you like flirting — just like any other human being, gay or straight. The L Word had a lot of flirting moments in it. But if you don't have enough time to have The L Word marathon, why not check out these films?

In celebration of the LGB Pride Month, allow me to present to you my five fave lesbian flirting moments in cinema.


BOUND

Sexy neo-noir thriller about two women who conspire to steal the mafia's money, while falling in love with each other in the process.

She Loves Her

And these are my fave stories about women who love women. Lesbian movies aren't as popular as their gay counterpart, are they? Thank God for Blue is the Warmest Color, lesbian cinema is now gaining some attention.

(In alphabetical order.)

Delicious and Heartwarming

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Jon Avnet, 1991

"Whither thou goest, I will go. Where thou lodgest, I will lodge. Thy people shall be my people."

- Ruth 1:16

The '90s cinema was abundant with feminist films; there was Thelma & Louise, Nikita, The Silence of the Lambs, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Fried Green Tomatoes, The River Wild, Bound, G.I. Jane, Jackie Brown, Elizabeth, etc.

Among those films, Fried Green Tomatoes is the one whose approach to feminism I liked the most. It doesn't feature gun-toting women, rather it features everyday women who aren't afraid to speak their mind and assert themselves.