It all started in 2010; and by 'it' I mean this blog
Saturday, 28 July 2018
Woman Driver
Until today, I'm ashamed to say, this NME cover was the only* thing I knew Laura Marling for
Here's something that will brighten up your Saturday morning; stick this short film on while you're having breakfast. It's a deceivingly simple two hander from 2013 - shot in Texas and featuring Laura Marling (who also gets a co-write) it gives a subtle nod and a wink to many road movies of old. I promise you that by the time you've finished your toast and refilled your coffee you'll have come down on either her side, or his; you won't be neutral. I'll defer telling you my take on it until after you've watched it.
Yes, an homage to so many road movies set around there. I am reminded of Paris Texas.
As for the ending, the poor guy lost his truck - Naughty Laura Marling. Would be getting into dangerous territory if expanded too much but suffice to say I'm coming down on the side of the guy.
Hmm... well, on the one hand, yes naughty Laura, that was mean. And on the other hand, well c'mon guy, that was a bit of an assumption you made there. So I'm veering between the two! What would I have done, though, if I was Laura? Can't pretend I mightn't have been tempted to do the same after that. Or was it simply her intention all along, anyway?
Opening a can of worms here but here's the thing - At my age. I see a lone woman in an empty desert landscape hitching a ride and scream, "What is she thinking of?". Not something I would have done as a young woman without expecting trouble of some sort, sadly. If DD watched this film however she would think, "Ah travelling solo around the US - How exciting and all these lovely boys who would give me a ride" - I do think C is right, the intention all along was to steal the van, but it saddens me that I am still cynical all these years later (because I know male attitudes have changed) and also worries me that DD is a trusting soul who might inadvertently get herself into scrapes. She would say no, she is streetwise, but I worry.
Wow, Alyson, you really have given this a lot of thought. Your daughter is probably smarter than you think and would, more than likely, hear her mother's voice in her head as the van started to indicate and pull in...
Quite a conversation starter this one! I do get that whole romanticised vision of it in my head as described by Alyson's daughter's possible take on it, wouldn't that be great if it was always the case?! John's read this post before, but if you haven't done so, Alyson, here's a different take on the hitchhiker experience from my past! https://sundriedsparrows.blogspot.com/2016/01/notes-from-semi-bohemian-suburban.html
Just read your hitchhiker post C - Your mum certainly was a trusting soul but all worked out fine, as it would in 99% of cases probably. We've sadly all seen just one too many scary road movies, so we forget that and it's made many of us reticent to pick up waifs and strays.
We had an adventurous evening a few years back when we took 3 French girls and their rucksacks out to their campsite in the middle of nowhere, as public transport had stopped running. Poor Mr WIAA had to walk home and little DD was squished in the middle of the back seat with rucksacks obliterating her view - She thought it was exciting though and we stayed with them until they got their tents set up. Not sure if I would have done that for 3 guys though! Veered off topic here but forgot to mention that I did like the Laura Marling song from the film clip.
John - My daughter is smart but I don't think she would ever hear my voice in her head. I am grateful I didn't find out about her exploits in Amsterdam until after she returned but thankfully she did return, intact!
Liar, liar, pants on fire! D'oh! - I've just found this.
ReplyDeleteYes, an homage to so many road movies set around there. I am reminded of Paris Texas.
ReplyDeleteAs for the ending, the poor guy lost his truck - Naughty Laura Marling. Would be getting into dangerous territory if expanded too much but suffice to say I'm coming down on the side of the guy.
I've never seen Paris Texas, so will try and blag a copy.
DeleteI think he's been had, well and truly. But no one likes an eager beaver.
Hmm... well, on the one hand, yes naughty Laura, that was mean. And on the other hand, well c'mon guy, that was a bit of an assumption you made there. So I'm veering between the two! What would I have done, though, if I was Laura? Can't pretend I mightn't have been tempted to do the same after that. Or was it simply her intention all along, anyway?
ReplyDeleteDespite what I said to Alyson, I think our man could equally have had a lucky escape. Remember The Hitcher with Rutger Hauer?
DeleteOh yes, I do! Fantastic film! Shudder.....
DeleteOpening a can of worms here but here's the thing - At my age. I see a lone woman in an empty desert landscape hitching a ride and scream, "What is she thinking of?". Not something I would have done as a young woman without expecting trouble of some sort, sadly. If DD watched this film however she would think, "Ah travelling solo around the US - How exciting and all these lovely boys who would give me a ride" - I do think C is right, the intention all along was to steal the van, but it saddens me that I am still cynical all these years later (because I know male attitudes have changed) and also worries me that DD is a trusting soul who might inadvertently get herself into scrapes. She would say no, she is streetwise, but I worry.
DeleteWow, Alyson, you really have given this a lot of thought. Your daughter is probably smarter than you think and would, more than likely, hear her mother's voice in her head as the van started to indicate and pull in...
DeleteQuite a conversation starter this one!
DeleteI do get that whole romanticised vision of it in my head as described by Alyson's daughter's possible take on it, wouldn't that be great if it was always the case?!
John's read this post before, but if you haven't done so, Alyson, here's a different take on the hitchhiker experience from my past!
https://sundriedsparrows.blogspot.com/2016/01/notes-from-semi-bohemian-suburban.html
Just read your hitchhiker post C - Your mum certainly was a trusting soul but all worked out fine, as it would in 99% of cases probably. We've sadly all seen just one too many scary road movies, so we forget that and it's made many of us reticent to pick up waifs and strays.
DeleteWe had an adventurous evening a few years back when we took 3 French girls and their rucksacks out to their campsite in the middle of nowhere, as public transport had stopped running. Poor Mr WIAA had to walk home and little DD was squished in the middle of the back seat with rucksacks obliterating her view - She thought it was exciting though and we stayed with them until they got their tents set up. Not sure if I would have done that for 3 guys though! Veered off topic here but forgot to mention that I did like the Laura Marling song from the film clip.
John - My daughter is smart but I don't think she would ever hear my voice in her head. I am grateful I didn't find out about her exploits in Amsterdam until after she returned but thankfully she did return, intact!
ReplyDeleteAmsterdam. Enough said!
DeleteWe'll compare notes later in the year, no doubt...