Post 5 - Who is Lizzie Borden?

As a director, producer, actress, writer, editor, and even camera operator, Borden has taken to most every role involved in the film/television production process. Her best known work, Born in Flames (1973) was considered by Filmmaker Magazine as one of "The Most Important 50 Independent Films." Born in Flames told the fictional story of multiple women's groups coming together to create an uprising against issues of racism, homophobia, and sexism within a supposedly 'ideal' socialist government. Borden's work usually receives a combination of both positive reviews (for her creative creations of fictional worlds) but also some negative reviews (usually because of how heavy her subjects are). But most importantly, Borden's movies are very good a creating discussion, and that may be the most impactful part of any good revolutionary film.

Working Girls (1986), another of her most revered works (and my favorite), which takes on the topic of prostitution by following around several workers in a prestigious Manhattan whore house. Viewers get a vivid glimpse into every part of the disturbing business with supposedly accurate depictions of 'johns', 'madams', and of course, the 'working girls.' But surprisingly, Lizzie Borden takes a powerful women approach as the depicted prostitutes are in control and successful. They aren't kidnaped or forced into their positions. Their work helps them build their egos and prove dominance over men. The New York Times describes it as "grubby and exhausting but, ultimately, it's also a demonstration of women's power." If prostitution is a forced element of society, women have the ability exploit the supremacy that comes with it.

Lizzie Borden's dedication to focusing on feminist media is both inspiring and simultaneously disturbing. Instead of a direct fight for rights, she is able to portray women taking their lack thereof and using them as exploits in different types of patriarchal societies. It is no wonder that she has been given multiple awards for both of her most famous works.