TRADITIONAL MALE ROLES are heightened and added to when played by women. Think not? Have you seen Alien, The 40 Year Old Virgin, or the new Angelina Jolie vehicle, Salt? Major roles in all three were originally written for men, and, as played by women, became unforgettable. The sisterhood of stepping in–and stepping things up–is a good one, indeed.
But The 40 Year Old Virgin you ask? That searingly wonderful store manager, as played by Jane Lynch, was originally slated to be a male role. Oh yeah. And Sigourney Weaver, of course, simply owns that role of Ellen Ripley in Alien. And so Angelina Jolie has entered into a fine sisterhood by stepping into the role in Salt.
What a difference a dame makes. But here at TSP, we knew that.
So does NPR, in a wonderful version of this tale, as heard here.
No related posts.
First time here? Here's the idea: 
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I will never forget walking out of the theater after seeing Alien (back in 1979 – 1980 maybe?). I could not stop talking about the milestone I had witnessed. Can’t wait to see Salt.
Hey, Mary Elizabeth. Welcome back to TSP, where we love seeing you. Yes, those women in those “male” parts bring something special to the scenes, don’t they? Hope you know about our large list of TSP favorite sister films. If not, here’s the link. Enjoy. And do come back soon.
Jane Lynch slayed me in that role! I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in a role I didn’t like. She was killer as a self-obsessed dog trainer in “Best in Show.”
Hi, Sandy. So good to read you here again. Yes, whether it’s her stellar performance in Glee, or her remarkable work in Best in Show, Jane Lynch always amazes, doesn’t she? We love her at TSP. Stepping into a man’s role seems to bring out the best in the women in these cases–and the role. Please come back soon.
While I won’t say no to having a woman added to any movie script, I’m a big fan of the Bechdel Test – http://bechdeltest.com/ – which requires the following of a movie:
1. It has to have at least two women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man
Sad to say, sisters, but the list is short.
Hello, Estyn, and welcome to TSP, where we love our sister flicks. What a great test. I think I will apply this more broadly, as well, and use it as the requirements of a good day, yes? Please come back for more.
Excellent idea!
A day which includes a real talk with a sister is indeed a good one.
So true, Estyn. So true.