Lady Bird: Self-Determination for a New Century

This book explores the ideas, philosophies, and strategies that inform and enable a young woman's self-determination for a new century, examining Lady Bird's film as a portrait of a particular American youth subculture. It also explores tensions between Gerwig and Lady Bird, and how the film's form and aesthetics lead to reflections on its philosophy and politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive analysis delves into the core concepts, philosophies, and strategies that shape and empower young women's self-determination for a new century. It explores the profound impact of Greta Gerwig's highly celebrated and influential film, Lady Bird. Drawing upon a range of influences, including Transcendentalism, French feminist thought, Californian art, and the writings of renowned American essayist Joan Didion, Rob Stone approaches Lady Bird as a cinematic exploration of young women's self-determination in relation to other women and the waves of feminist history.

The book is structured in a way that mirrors the evolving conscience and emerging consciousness of the film's protagonist, Lady Bird. It offers an insightful portrait of a specific American youth subculture, navigating the challenges and tensions between the aftermath of 9/11 in 2001 and the global financial crisis of 2008. The author, an expert in American independent cinema and the dynamics of World Cinema, delves into the strategies of self-determination that ignite in the friction between mothers and daughters and culminate in reflections on the film's philosophy and politics.

By situating Lady Bird within the genres of youth movies and feminist film practice and culture, this book serves as an invaluable resource for students and researchers interested in exploring broader dialogues and discourses about feminism, philosophy, gender, genre, and American independent filmmaking. It provides a rich and nuanced perspective on the complexities of young women's lives and their quest for self-discovery, offering valuable insights into the cultural and societal forces that shape their experiences.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032147482