As a film critic with a penchant for unveiling the raw essence of cinema, I must say that Steve McQueen‘s “Widows” has left an indelible mark on my cinematic consciousness. With his unique ability to weave intricate narratives around complex characters, McQueen has once again proven himself a master storyteller in this gripping crime thriller.
2018’s crime/thriller film titled “Widows,” directed by Steve McQueen, shines a light on its female characters. Four women, bound together by their deceased husbands’ criminal past, must unite to settle the debts left behind. Not only does this story have an intriguing foundation, but it boasts an exceptional cast featuring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo as the leading ladies. However, despite all its advantages, Steve McQueen faced disappointment with the studio’s inadequate backing of the film’s feminist theme, expressing a desire for a different approach to promoting the movie.
At a Q&A session during the London Film Festival (where MovieWeb was present), Steve McQueen shared his disappointment with the advertising strategy for the movie “Widows”. Although he didn’t provide detailed explanations, he focused on the film’s poster. McQueen pointed out that one would expect the poster to showcase the widows, but Hollywood executives had doubts about a poster featuring four female leads being effective in attracting a broad audience. Consequently, the main poster was altered to include the widows’ husbands, effectively failing to meet the requirements of the bechdel test for marketing.
In his words, McQueen stated, “The four women depicted in that poster should have been there instead.” Recalling a discussion with an executive concerning the poster design, he voiced his dissatisfaction with the illogical choice made. He went on to say, “If everyone is shown on the poster, then it’s for no one specifically. In other words, if it’s meant for everyone, it’s really intended for no one in particular.
Widows Is Steve McQueen’s Most Underrated Movie
When Steve McQueen’s name is brought up, people tend to focus on his most celebrated film, “12 Years a Slave,” which is indeed an exceptional movie. For those who are more deeply invested in McQueen’s directorial career, they will also discuss his earlier works such as “Hunger,” a film that delves into the hunger strikes led by Irish republicans in the 80s, and “Shame,” a story about a man battling sex addiction. Preparations might be underway to watch his latest production, “Blitz,” which follows a young woman’s quest to find her evacuated son amidst war-torn Britain during the 1940s. However, McQueen’s film “Widows” often gets overlooked in these discussions.
In a nod to his signature style, McQueen’s latest movie, “Widows,” exudes a distinctly Hollywood feel and appears to be an enjoyable venture for him. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Liam Neeson, Jon Bernthal, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Coburn Goss, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Carrie Coon, Daniel Kaluuya, Brian Tyree Henry, and many others. Much like his previous works, “Widows” is a gritty, intense watch that delves into the crime genre with a raw, authentic touch. The performances are stellar across the board, and the cinematography is both stunning and suffocatingly close. “Widows” promises to be a film that future generations will revisit, and McQueen expresses his hope that it will be recognized with an appropriate poster design.
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2024-10-12 19:33