Sep 18

Sep 18 Barbara Loden

A twisted Bonnie and Clyde tale depicting the gravity of one’s purpose. The story starts with Wanda, following her from her life in a rundown coal country. Wanda, quiet and seemingly apathetic towards her circumstance, abandons her family after a spell of abusive relationships in her sullen household.

Her search for meaning and purpose is heightened as she aimlessly wanders not knowing what exactly she’s looking for. Unable to find work, she often finds herself at a bar or waking up with a stranger. After a drink at a frequent bar, she stumbles into a robbery lead by a brute of a man named Norman. With nothing to look forward to, Wanda joins Norman on the road as a heedless reach for some kind of purpose. Norman’s oppressive commands strip away at Wanda’s freedom which only helps her in her search.

Often compared to Cassavetes, Barbara Loden not only plays a superb performance of Wanda but also perfectly captures the atmospheric gloom of the story. The final scene remains with me today. After Normans’ loss in a gunfight with the police, she again finds herself lonesome and empty in a crowded bar in hopes of finding the next Norman.