Ridley Scott Believes G.I. Jane Is His Better Pro-Women Movie

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Ridley Scott believes his films actually offer stronger portrayals of women than the classic movie Thelma & Louise. Released in 1991, Thelma & Louise is often considered a highlight of Scott’s career, praised for its feminist themes. The film stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon as two close friends whose carefree road trip spirals into a dangerous situation, leading them to make increasingly drastic choices.

Despite this, Scott shared with Letterboxd that he believes his 1997 war movie G.I. Jane, starring Demi Moore, is the best pro-female movie ever made, even when compared to Thelma & Louise. He also discusses Moore’s performance in the 2024 horror movie The Substance and says that he thinks the writer and director Coralie Fargeat “lost control of it.” Check out Scott’s comments below:

Of course. The Substance, from the director’s point of view, is a very good big Kubrickian idea. If you really want me to say what I think, [Coralie Fargeat] kind of lost control of it. That end scene, where they sprayed the room with blood, they simply didn’t know what to do. But I think it was a brave idea about the sickness of facelifts and changing your appearance. Never change your appearance, just stay fit. Because you can always tell. With Demi, we made a very, very good film with G.I. Jane. I think it is the best pro-women film honestly ever made, even better than Thelma & Louise.

Consider her actions. Plus, the villain is played by Anne Bancroft – someone who just expects you to fail. Seriously?

Scott is known for speaking his mind, so it’s surprising to hear him say he thinks G.I. Jane is better than Thelma & Louise. Thelma & Louise, starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, is a beloved feminist film that’s considered a classic. It was recognized by the Library of Congress with a place in the National Film Registry in 2016, and the American Film Institute named it one of the most inspiring movies of all time back in 2006.

In addition to its critical acclaim, Thelma & Louise earned six Academy Award nominations, with acting nods for Susan Scott, Geena Davis, and Susan Sarandon. Callie Khouri also won the award for Best Original Screenplay. Even 34 years after its release, the film maintains high ratings, scoring 87% from critics and 82% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

While G.I. Jane received mixed reviews – 55% from critics and 53% from audiences – it didn’t achieve the same critical success or awards recognition as Thelma & Louise. Instead of an Oscar nomination, Demi Moore actually won a Razzie Award for Worst Actress for her role in G.I. Jane.

©Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

In the film, Moore stars as Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil, a groundbreaking woman chosen to train as a Navy SEAL. She strives to earn the respect of her superior officer, John James Urgayle, played by Viggo Mortensen. Unlike the feminist themes in Thelma & Louise, where the main characters reject societal norms and become independent outlaws, this story focuses on O’Neil’s efforts within the established system.

Scott’s viewpoint is unique, and he supports it by looking at what his character, O’Neil, accomplishes, as well as the powerful antagonist she faces – Senator Lillian DeHaven, played by Anne Bancroft. His perspective is also shaped by his experience directing both G.I. Jane and Thelma & Louise, and how he’s grown as a director over time.

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2025-12-30 01:28