Slideshow
GIRLFRIENDS
U.S., 1978
Directed by Claudia Weill
Starring Melanie Mayron, Anita Skinner, Eli Wallach, Christopher Guest, Bob Balaban
Written by Vicki Polon
Approx. 86 min. DCP.
“Claudia Weill’s richly textured drama…stars Melanie Mayron as Susan Weinblatt, a photographer living on the Upper West Side, not long out of college, whose artistic ambitions require solitude that conflicts with her romantic longings. Susan’s drive for independence contrasts with the struggle of her married best friend, a writer named Annie (Anita Skinner), to find time to work. The intimate tale of young women’s effervescent socializing and melancholy uncertainty reflects public policy in a subplot involving the right to abortion.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker
Reviews
“It’s documentary film-maker Claudia Weill’s first feature, although there’s no reason to apologetically pigeonhole this movie as a ‘promising first feature’. It’s the work of a technically skilled and assured director.”
– Variety
“In its insistent focus on a woman whose identity isn’t solely determined by her relationships with men, GIRLFRIENDS isn’t just thrilling — it’s radical.”
– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
“A little indie gem and lo-fi miracle whose emotional force catches you glancingly.”
– Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian (UK)