MovieChat Forums > Marriage Story (2019) Discussion > Is there a kind of reverse sexism these ...

Is there a kind of reverse sexism these days?

posted 5 years ago by brux (14729)
6 replies | jump to latest

OK, I am not being that serious about this, since women have been
undervalued and underrepresented in movies since the beginning of
movies, but here is what I thought about Laura Dern getting the oscar
for what is a fairly small but very impressive role in the movie.

I thought she was really great as the woman lawyer, but, I have to say
I also thought that Ray Liotta's portrayal of the male was just as good.

Both did great in this movie and both showed the hopelessness of a regular
person having to negotiate the total rip-off world of getting legal advice
and service, especially around divorce.

The thing that bothers me is that I always hear about Laura Dern, and not
to take anything away from her performance at all, I just think Ray Liotta
did just as fantastic a job at his role, and I have not heard anything but
me even mention it in the Moviechat or elsewhere. Ray just looked the
part ... he reminded me of a high-powered lawyer in my town that I had
to hire for a family matter - he got that vibe just perfectly.

Ray should get some credit or a mention for his work in this movie too is
all I am saying. I don't really think it is sexist, but it is a pity - everyone
that does such good work ought to get some recognition.

[–] Otter (24464) 5 years ago

I dont hink it's a case of sexism or not, Dern has been a critical darling for a long time, and just keeps getting better and better with time.

Liotta just isn't a critic's darling. Maybe he could be, with more performances like this.

[–] Fonz (638) 5 years ago

I think it has more to do with the studio campaigning for certain actors. In this case they back backed Dern over Ray. I do agree I loved both of their performances as well.

[–] brux (14729) 5 years ago

They did, but Dern gets so much work and credit already ... it would be fair to throw a little of that to Liotta. He doesn't really get that many good roles, but as a cutthroat lawyer he was really great ... who knew? ;-)

[–] prayformojo (101) 5 years ago

Dern got a lot more screen time. As good as he was, Loitta's character was too small to be considered a supporting actor.

Though I do question if the Dern performance was really Oscar worthy. It was basically the same character Dern always plays.

PS: she will always be "Admiral Holdo" to me

[–] brux (14729) 5 years ago

Good points, Liotta did not have enough screen time. I thought Alda's character was creepy, as usual.

[–] HarlemEagle42 (17850) 4 years ago

Liotta wasn't in the film that much to be honest. He wasn't bad but Dern had more screen time and her character was honestly more interesting in that 'love-to-hate' fashion.