Greta Gerwig is a name that, although isn't recognisable to everyone, is rapidly gaining pace within the movie industry.
With three feature films to her name now as a writer/director, Gerwig has built up an impressive catalogue of work over the past 7 years since her debut feature in 2017.
The actor-turned-filmmaker's most recognisable movie simply has to be the 2023 hit and pop cultural phenomenon: Barbie. But few people are aware that Gerwig wrote and directed two movies prior to this, in the form of original screenplay 'Lady Bird' and novel adaptation 'Little Women'.
Given that Greta now has three movies to her name as the sole director, with each one receiving huge appraisal from audiences as well as critic groups, it would be fair to rank each film in terms of what I feel is the best.
3. Barbie
Now this may come as a shock to certain members reading this article because ever since it's cinematic release in July 2023, Barbie has been a cultural phenomenon, influencing women and young girls around the globe in such a small amount of time.
I would go as far as saying that most people won't have even heard of the other two movies on this list, whereas everyone, and I mean everyone, has heard of Barbie.
Barbie isn't ranked at the bottom of this list for any negative opinions that I may have on the film, as I am very fond of the movie and given the hype and expectations it had to follow, it performed very well.
Not to mention the fact that the movie was a huge success financially, and at the time of publication is currently the 14th highest grossing movie of all time.
Not only is writing and directing a movie based on a doll that gets both children and adults excited to go to the cinema very exciting (the first time since Anabelle), but the ability to bring humour to all age groups within the audience isn't something that we see all too often.
The film consists of two very impressive actors in Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling who serve very impressive performances as Barbie and Ken. Not to mention that never-ending supporting cast who's list of names seem to go on forever and ever.
2. Lady Bird
Lady Bird was Gerwig's first ever full feature production in her filmography, and as far as debut features go, they don't get much better than Lady Bird.
For her work on this film, Gerwig received two Academy Award nominations, one for writing an original screenplay and the other for her direction. The film itself was nominated for five Oscars in total, including Best Picture and two various acting categories.
Lady Bird follows the story of a young woman, Christine (aka Lady Bird) who is in a fragile chapter of her life as she begins the transition of leaving high-school and beginning college.
The film is relatable to just about anyone who has experienced or witnessed the frightening transition in a person's life when the back end of your high-school years conclude, and your college experience begins.
I personally would class this film under the comedy/drama genres. Although there isn't many dramatic sequences or turns throughout, you constantly feel yourself resonating with the character of Lady Bird and her everyday life, which to her seems dramatic as hell.
This is the first of two collaborations between Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig. And whilst Ronan has delivered exceptional performances on both of these occasions, the Irish actress takes it to another level in this film and certainly delivers an Oscar-worthy performance.
Ronan is also joined by an impressive-looking cast such as Lucas Hedges, Timothee Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein and even Laurie Metcalf who also received an Oscar nomination for her work as Lady Bird's Mother in this film.
1. Little Women
Now the debate between gifting Little Women with the number 1 title or giving it to Lady Bird was certainly a well-battled one. But the fact that I generally-speaking aren't a huge fan of period pieces, yet somehow adore this film really gives it the edge.
If you've been living under a rock your whole life and somehow aren't aware of the story of Little Women. It essentially consists of 4 sisters who start out as young women and their individual progression into adulthood during the Civil War.
If you're now finding this out for the first time, you may be thinking that this film isn't for you, and that's a fair opinion because I thought the same too before pressing play.
And I'm not quite sure what it is, but the dialogue and pacing in this movie makes it so easy to enjoy. And after a few minutes, you become so familiar with the characters and the setting that you will easily forget the fact that you're watching a period piece production based in 1860's Massachusetts.
Once again, Saoirse Ronan delivers a delightful performance as Jo, the protagonist in this film and very much thought to be a fictional version of Louisa May Alcott (the original author of Little Women).
But I feel as though the real show-stealers come through the form of Florence Pugh and Timothee Chalamet. The two actors serve a delightful dynamic that is very entertaining throughout.
Despite this, it almost feels wrong to point out individual performances in this film because the whole cast ensemble in it's entirety fails to put a foot wrong. It would be ruse to assume otherwise seeing as though the supporting cast includes names such as Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton and even Meryl Streep.
It is very rare that I feel the need to commend something such as costume design, but for this film, it really must be noted. Recreating a number of garments that look impeccable to the clothing in 1860's Massachusetts is very impressive and is ultimately what ties the film together in my opinion.
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