Do+you+want+Frys+with+that?

Marisa Fryer 02/03/2011  Fried Green Tomatoes

//Fried Green Tomatoes // is a 1991 film based off of the book //Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café// by Fannie Flag. It follows two story lines that focus on the lives of four strong, outspoken women who overcome the struggles of living in male-dominated societies. Idgie and Ruth own a café in 1930’s Alabama, while Evelyn is an unhappy housewife living in 1990’s Alabama. Evelyn discovers and is empowered by Idgie and Ruth’s story as it is told by Ninny, a spunky old lady who she meets in a nursing home.

The imagery in this movie contributes to the power and believability of the time periods that are represented. The set and costume designs show precise and painstaking attention to detail. Janet Maslin gives one example of the clever details in the film’s production: “When one of the principals goes on trial charged with murder, the hats of the jurors can be seen lined up on the wall in the small-town courtroom.” Also, the contrasts between the styles of the 1930’s and 1990’s scenes help to develop the movie’s plot clearly for the audience.

Mary Stewart Masterson stars in this movie as the defiant, rebellious Idgie Threadgoode. Her acting is one of the movie’s greatest strengths; She acts with so much energy that “she often seems to be bursting at the seams of her role,” (Maslin) and without her “furious honesty,” (Maslin) the passion between Idgie and Ruth would be lost in the complexity of the plot.

//Fried Green Tomatoes // exposes a number of important social issues relevant to the time periods in the rural South. Evelyn joins a femist group to build her confidence and independence so she can find happiness in her dull, passionless marriage. Ruth must fight back to defend herself against a violent, controlling husband. In addition to overcoming the chauvinistic atmosphere of the rural South, the characters must also battle “harsh racial realities” (Maslin) when the peace in Idgie’s small Alabama town is disturbed by the hateful, destructive force of the KKK.

Fans of the book will likely be disappointed by one difference in the movie. The romantic relationship portrayed clearly in the book between the two 1930’s female heroines is greatly downplayed in the movie. As Berardinelli states, the film “has been sanitized and ‘Hollywoodized’, with the relationship between the two 1930 female leads left ambiguous.” Fortunately, Mary Stewart Masterson (Idgie) and Mary Louise Parker (Ruth) portray their roles with such vibrant chemistry that this aspect of the plot is not completely lost. They are able to “make their characters' improbable friendship come alive.” (Berardinelli)

While this movie is not for viewers expecting a light-hearted comedy or action-packed adventure, it does effectively combine elements of comedy and intrigue. The film is perfect for viewers who aren’t afraid to grow attached to the characters and occasionally shed a tear. “//Fried Green Tomatoes// touches a plethora of emotional chords.” (Berardinelli)

Works Cited:

Berardinelli, James. “Fried Green Tomatoes.” //Reelviews.net.// Reelviews Movie Reviews, 1992. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.

Maslin, Janet. “Fried Green Tomatoes (1991).” //The New York Times.// The New York Times Company, 27 Dec. 1991. Web. 2 Feb. 2010.

media type="custom" key="8138394"