"This Changes Everything" (2018) | Sam Gall Movie Review Issue #130 Gem Mint 10.0
“This Changes Everything“ (2018)
Director: Tom Donahue
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Mira Nair, Shonda Rhimes, Geena Davis, Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman, Sandra Oh, Taraji P. Henson, Cate Blanchett, Rashida Jones, Chloe Grace Moretz, Tracee Ellis Ross, Judd Apatow, Paul Feig & more!
Rated: TV-PG
Runtime: 1h 36min
Genre: Documentary
Country: United States
Language: English
Available on: Various VOD platforms including Vudu, Netflix & Amazon
"An investigative look and analysis of gender disparity in Hollywood, featuring accounts from well-known actors, executives and artists in the Industry."
You might like this if you like: human beings, filmmaking, history, film history, race study, film study, representation in film, TV, video games, books, the media, documentaries, movies, Reese Witherspoon, Mira Nair, Shonda Rhimes, Geena Davis, Meryl Streep, Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman, Sandra Oh, Taraji P. Henson, Cate Blanchett, Rashida Jones, Chloe Grace Moretz, Tracee Ellis Ross, Judd Apatow, Paul Feig
"This Changes Everything" (2018)
I watched this for my fiancé Rachel’s “Women in Cinema” class she was taking and was absolutely blown away.. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen this. It changed and is continuing to change my life.
It was heartbreaking mostly, but everyone, I feel, needs to be aware of some of these facts, history, and what cinema lacked and is still lacking to this day.
Geena Davis in "This Changes Everything" (2018)
I’m sure some of these facts were or have been known through other articles or mediums, but the way this documentary collected and directed the story they were telling was so concise and well executed.
Geena Davis might’ve been the most memorable aspect of the film for me. I really had no idea how much she had done, let alone knew about the non-profit “Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media”. Absolutely incredible. The work she did and the time she spent into actually delivering the facts and the lengths she went to share with the world how wrong the media, film, television and more have been to minority groups like women and people of color.
Meryl Streep in "This Changes Everything" (2018)
Not only should filmmakers see this, but everyone as its affected our entire culture all throughout the world for… basically the entire existence of cinema and has to change. It really only feels very recently that things are becoming more aware and inclusive of things that weren’t before like women and people of color.
The Bechdel test alone was fascinating to me. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know about this and how infuriatingly true and widespread it is. Even when two or more women are alone on screen, the chances of them NOT speaking about a man is slim. Few days later I had “The Simpsons” on and they actually referenced the The Bechdel test in an amazing, respectful and comedic fashion as they tend to do. Pretty cool.
Taraji P. Henson in "This Changes Everything" (2018)
What the head of FX television did to change his statistics and the work they’ve given to a diverse range of people was one of the most inspiring pieces of the film! I hope to do the same in my work.
Chloe Grace Moretz in "This Changes Everything" (2018)
It was such a powerful, eye-opening story filled with a whole new perspective on the film history that I knew. We really need to work harder to give more opportunities to a diverse range of people and hear the stories we haven’t gotten to hear. As gut-wrenching as some parts may be, it’s the truth, what we need to hear, what we need to learn from, what we need to work to change. I hope more people get to see this film!
Written by Sam Gall on 09/01/21
CGC Grading: Gem Mint 10.0
"Addressing the gender disparity that troubles Hollywood, This Changes Everything is one of the most important documentaries of the year." - Danielle Solzman, Solzy at the Movies
"The fast-moving doc is most illuminating when it goes back to the dawn of cinema, when the fledgling art form was loaded with female directors and (especially) screenwriters." - Ken Eisner, Georgia Straight
"Compelling personal stories and absolutely damning data remind us that Hollywood has a long way to go before achieving gender equality." - Roger Moore, Movie Nation
"Once it finally begins to focus on the mission... "This Changes Everything" not only becomes engrossing but reveals itself as a crucial cri de coeu" - Aisha Harris, New York Times
"A compelling and urgent documentary about gender inequity in Hollywood will prove an eye opener for women - and men - universally." - Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood Daily
Official Trailer:
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