Written by Kiara Co
Based on the 1868 classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, Greta Gerwig’s version of Little Women has been done differently compared to the other on screen adaptations. The new adaptation features a stellar cast with the likes of Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Emma Watson as Meg, Florence Pugh as Amy, Eliza Scanlen as Beth, Timothée Chalamet as Laurie, Laura Dern as Marmee, and Meryl Streep as Aunt March.
Little Women is one of the most well-known classic novels of American literature and it has been known for generations and generations. There has been multiple movies made, especially the most well-known version which is the 1994 film by Gillian Armstrong, so this review will be focused on the movie itself rather than heavily comparing this version with the book and this version versus other adaptations.
Most people seemed to be annoyed by the fact that there’s another Little Women movie, but what Greta Gerwig has done hasn’t been done before with its non-linear storytelling. As figured, it’s going to be as big as the 1994 version, particularly for the awards season, and in fact, the producers from the 1994 film are the producers of this version. Gillian Armstrong, who was the writer and director of the 1994’s Little Women, also came on board as the producer for this version too. Gerwig’s Little Women is an unforgettable version and one of the best films of 2019.
Greta Gerwig’s visual style still continues to be amazing after her well-received directorial debut film, Ladybird. From a director perspective, it has improved so much compared to Ladybird. As for the script she wrote, it felt relevant, heartbreaking, and funny. She wrote a script that was faithful to the novel, but also making it fresh at the same time, and the screenplay of this film was one of the best parts of this movie.
The score of this film was quite overwhelming, but suited the tone of the lives of the four March sisters, and it was beautifully composed by Alexandre Desplat, who is one of the best music film composers out there. As for the cinematography, it felt so luscious and every shot was done so beautifully. The use of colours to differentiate the timeline was well appreciated as most of the time for period dramas, the cinematography can look so bland. There are plenty of period dramas that all just look the same due to the cinematography, so Little Women as a period drama stands out as the vibrant colours make it looks so modern. The costuming also stands out significantly with each of the March sisters having their own signature colour, whereas Marmee (played by Laura Dern) included all of the signature colours of the sisters in her outfits. Throughout the film, both Jo (played by Saoirse Ronan) and Laurie (played by Timothée Chalamet) even switch pieces of clothing to symbolise that they are like twins and the bond between them. Lastly is the production design, which was filmed in Boston, where the story actually takes place in and the props and sets really helped to make you feel as though you are a part of their story.
However, the one minor issue of this film is the editing using the nonlinear structure. It starts off introducing the March sisters in the present with Jo in New York teaching young students and writing short stories (but by claiming it is her friend’s story) to earn money. Amy is in Paris with her painting lessons and waiting to get proposed by a wealthy suitor. Meg who wants a pretty silk yet cannot afford because she is now a wife and mother. And lastly, there is Beth who remains in their childhood home playing the piano. Once Jo receives a letter about how Beth is sick again, Jo returns back home and then flashbacks from their childhood start to play. The flashbacks flowed well putting them into the right place and it really showed each of the character’s development despite that nonlinear structure. Although the differentiation between past and present may be difficult for some who are not familiar with the story, you have to rely on the use of colour and their hairstyles, but you will get used to it after a third into the movie.
Of course, this is not surprising at all, but once again Saoirse Ronan delivers an excellent performance as the lead playing Jo March. Other standouts were Florence Pugh (Amy) and Timothée Chalamet (Laurie) who shined in this film as well, but really, every single actor did each of the character’s justice! Not only that, but each of their portrayal of the character were all very likeable. This version captured what a family is like even in today’s era and it captured what are sisters like too! Within this movie, it’s understandable why each character did what they had to do and why they felt that way in the past which affects their actions in the present.
Last but not least, the ending of this film as it wasn’t the same as the adaptations or the book. It was an ending that was dedicated to Louisa May Alcott and the character of Jo had some parts of Louisa in it. The ending shows Mr. Dashwood (played by Tracy Letts) and Jo making a deal for Jo’s novel. “If I am going to make my character end in marriage, I might as well get the full copyright of my book.” This was true to life with the making of Little Women when Alcott felt pressured to make her character married at the end. Alcott was unmarried in real life and she based Little Women based on her life. The ending shows Jo witnessing her novel being put together and the last shot is Jo hugging her novel making for such a strong ending. Not only does it makes it a unique version and an ode to Alcott but it is an ending we all need to see. The ending where it is a love story between a girl and her book rather than a love story between a girl and a boy. It captures Jo’s journey with hard work, talent, and ambition.
Gerwig shows how this story will always be relevant and she proved it in this film. The story of Little Women will always be relevant throughout many generations. The novel by Louisa May Alcott was ahead of its time, especially when it was published in 1868. If you enjoyed the classic novel that gives this heartwarming and cosy feeling or wanting to just watch a movie in cinemas this holiday, then Little Women is for you!
