Fried Green Tomatoes by Nora Hovanic

Nora Hovanic
WS 200
J. Ryan
11 April 2008
Fried Green Tomatoes

The 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes, directed by Jon Avnet is an amazing tale of women empowerment. The film centers around a small town named Whistle- Stop Alabama. The films lead cast contains Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Jessica Tandy, and Mary Louis Parker. Evelyn (Bates) is a middle aged, over- weight woman, and has horrible self esteem issues. While visiting a nursing home with her husband she befriends and old woman named Ninny (Tandy). Ninny begins telling Evelyn the tale of a small town in Alabama and trials and tributes of a woman named Idgie (Masterson) and her best friend Ruth (Parker). Idgie is a self declared “tomboy.” Ever since she was little she ran the town ragged with her crazy male antics and hot headed personality. Into her life came Ruth. Ruth was everything opposite of Idgie, but the soon began a lifelong friendship.

Along the way Idgie sands up for Ruth and teaches her how to be a stronger individual and not just seen as a “woman.” Ruth was a true and loyal friend to Idgie till the day she died. The plot thickens when Ruth is abused by her husband. She and Idgie later plot to have him killed. They open a small café in the town and stand up to anyone who crosses them. They do not let men, the Klu Klux Klan, or any other harsh individuals stand in their way. Towards the end of the film it is later discovered that Ninny, truly is Idgie. Through out the story Evelyn is renewed with a strong empowerment about moving forward with life and self confidence after Ninny’s stories of Idgie and Ruth.

I do believe this is a film for feminists, or a “feminist film..” The film represents many gender issues including many stereotypes of females and African Americans as well. Women in the film are expected to act like Ruth. Be prime, proper, obedient, and dote on their husbands no matter what. Idgie, on the other hand, goes against the grain. A proclaimed “tomboy” she empowers Ruth and other women in the film to not take the stereotypical woman stance. Idgie acts like one of the boys and doesn’t see any reason they are any different then girls. She was a pure feminist.

I believe the film portrays the positive and negative sides to females. The movie shows the negatives of sitting back and letting men dominate woman in a patriarchal scene. Then it also gives empowerment, self confidence, and feminist representation. Idgie has a manner to move the viewer when talking about the strength of a woman.

I did really enjoy this film. There is something about it that wants to make a girl feel very confident and proud they are a woman. It gives you the feeling of being able to do anything. Showing Idgie as a child reminds me of my own personal past being a “tomboy” myself growing up. Then getting to watch Ruth’s character develop reminds me of the transition in high school where most girls try to become a little more “girly.” Overall it was a great film. I would recommend it to anyone of any gender.

For more information check out:

wikipedia.com search Fried Green Tomatoes

rottentomatoes.com

celebritywonder.com search Fried Green Tomatoes