Suffragette (film)

Suffragette (film) is a 2015 British historical drama film that depicts the struggle for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, particularly the actions of the Women's Social and Political Union led by Emmeline Pankhurst. The film features an ensemble cast, including Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep, and explores the lives of working-class women involved in the suffragette movement, such as Rosalind Franklin and Nancy Astor. The film's narrative is set against the backdrop of significant events, including the Battle of Westminster and the Funeral of Emily Davison. The story is also influenced by the lives of notable figures, including Christabel Pankhurst, Sylvia Pankhurst, and Millicent Fawcett.

Plot

The film's plot follows the story of Maud Watts, a young laundry worker who becomes involved in the suffragette movement after witnessing the struggles of women like Emily Davison and Mary Seacole. As Maud becomes more deeply embroiled in the movement, she faces opposition from her husband, Sonny Watts, and the authorities, including Inspector Arthur Steed and Prime Minister Herbert Henry Asquith. The film's narrative is intertwined with the stories of other notable suffragettes, including Dame Christabel Pankhurst, Lady Constance Lytton, and Princess Sophia Duleep Singh. The plot also explores the relationships between these women and other influential figures, such as King George V, Winston Churchill, and David Lloyd George. The film's climax features a dramatic recreation of the Epsom Derby, where Emily Davison famously stepped in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, in a tragic act of protest.

Production

The film was directed by Sarah Gavron and produced by Alison Owen and Faye Ward, with a screenplay by Abi Morgan. The production team consulted with historians, including Helen Pankhurst, to ensure the accuracy of the film's portrayal of the suffragette movement. The film was shot on location in London, Manchester, and Bristol, with additional scenes filmed at Shepperton Studios and Pinewood Studios. The production design was led by Sarah Greenwood, who worked closely with the British Film Institute and the Victoria and Albert Museum to recreate the look and feel of early 20th-century England. The film's score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, who incorporated music from the period, including works by Ethel Smyth and Rebecca Clarke.

Cast

The film features an ensemble cast, including Carey Mulligan as Maud Watts, Helena Bonham Carter as Edith Ellyn, and Brendan Gleeson as Inspector Arthur Steed. The cast also includes Anne-Marie Duff as Violet Miller, Ben Whishaw as Sonny Watts, and Meryl Streep as Emmeline Pankhurst. The film also features appearances by Romola Garai as Alice Haughton, Natalie Press as Emily Davison, and Geoff Bell as Norman Taylor. The cast's performances were informed by the lives and experiences of real-life suffragettes, including Rosa May Billinghurst, Helen Crawfurd, and Margaret Bondfield.

Release

The film was released in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2015, and in the United States on October 23, 2015. The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. The film was distributed by Focus Features and Pathé, and was supported by the British Film Institute and the UK Film Council. The film's release coincided with the Centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted women over 30 the right to vote in the United Kingdom.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for the performances of the cast, particularly Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter. The film was also praised for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the suffragette movement. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 73%, with many critics praising the film's powerful and emotional portrayal of the struggle for women's suffrage. The film was also recognized at several award ceremonies, including the BAFTA Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. The film's success was also acknowledged by notable figures, including Malala Yousafzai, Angelina Jolie, and Amal Clooney.

Historical_accuracy

The film's historical accuracy was praised by many critics, with the production team consulting with historians to ensure the accuracy of the film's portrayal of the suffragette movement. The film's depiction of significant events, including the Battle of Westminster and the Funeral of Emily Davison, was praised for its attention to detail. However, some critics noted that the film took some creative liberties with the story, including the character of Maud Watts, who is fictional. The film's portrayal of notable figures, including Emmeline Pankhurst and Christabel Pankhurst, was also praised for its accuracy, with the film drawing on the writings and speeches of these women to inform the characters. The film's historical accuracy was also recognized by institutions, including the British Museum and the National Archives.