Meet the Women Hollywood Tried to Erase

Read Time:4 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Women Who Run Hollywood (DVD)
The Women Who Run Hollywood (2016)
Ida Lupino: Gentlemen & Miss Lupino (2021)
Dorothy Arzner: Pioneer, Queer, Feminist (2023)
Mary Pickford, a Blessing and a Curse (2023)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2016-2023
Runtime: 3h 30m
Director(s): Clara Cuperberg, Julia Cuperberg
Where To Watch: available March 11, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Screening this on International Women’s Day may have been unintentional initially, but it was a wonderful way to celebrate women in film, past, present, and future! Hollywood’s legacy is often narrated through a familiar script: men in suits, big egos, and bigger stories. But now and then, a collection emerges that rewrites the rules, placing the real stars—the women who've revolutionized cinema—front and center. WOMEN WHO RUN HOLLYWOOD is a groundbreaking anthology that recognizes influential women whose daring creativity, uncompromising vision, and rebellious spirits shaped Hollywood. Offering an insightful and surprisingly deep exploration of overlooked cinema pioneers, this series highlights how these female filmmakers didn't just sneak into Hollywood’s boys' club; they transformed it entirely.

At the core of this anthology, THE WOMEN WHO RUN HOLLYWOOD sets the perfect stage, crafting a comprehensive picture of cinema’s early days but from a female perspective. Rather than repeating stale tales about Hollywood's golden era, the documentary highlights the fearless ingenuity and groundbreaking techniques female filmmakers employed to carve out space in a hostile industry. It demonstrates how these pioneering artists weren't merely surviving but innovating, even when confronted by resistance at every turn. Instead of just idolizing them, the documentary focuses on how these filmmakers subtly reshaped expectations and the industry's structural norms. The film’s ability to blend history with storytelling, including details about creative methods and strategic breakthroughs, makes viewers feel entertained and enlightened.

The second part of this series, IDA LUPINO: GENTLEMEN & MISS LUPINO, zooms in on one remarkable figure whose artistic strides were often matched by her courage. Ida Lupino, known initially for her acting skills, stepped behind the camera, challenging norms by confronting topics Hollywood preferred to ignore. Rather than merely celebrating Lupino as a rule-breaker, the film dissects her strategic decisions within the restrictive Hollywood environment. It avoids clichés and emphasizes her ability to balance provocative storytelling with industry pragmatism. The film captures Lupino's legacy, revealing how her cinematic choices sparked conversations that are still resonating in today's industry.

DOROTHY ARZNER: PIONEER, QUEER, FEMINIST brings another iconic figure to life, highlighting the remarkable journey of one of the rare women filmmakers who didn't just exist but thrived in the studio-driven Hollywood era of the 1930s. Dorothy Arzner's presence in this anthology shines a much-needed light on a woman whose storytelling ability went well beyond the confines of the standard Hollywood playbook. By examining how Arzner wove progressive messages into seemingly conventional narratives, the documentary gives viewers a deeper appreciation of her quiet yet potent rebellion. It excels in drawing connections between Arzner’s personal experiences as a queer woman and the complex themes that surfaced in her films.

Rounding out the set, MARY PICKFORD, A BLESSING AND A CURSE turns the spotlight on one of Hollywood’s earliest superstars, examining the complexities of her immense success and influence. Pickford leveraged her popularity as an actress to become one of cinema’s first powerhouse producers and helped establish United Artists. The documentary paints a nuanced portrait, showing Pickford as a celebrated figure and a businesswoman who changed how Hollywood did business, especially for women. The film cleverly simple hero-worship, instead examining Pickford's contradictions as a woman with significant influence in a deeply patriarchal industry. It thoughtfully balances admiration for Pickford’s groundbreaking achievements with exploring the challenges she faced maintaining control of her career.

These documentaries form an intricate mosaic, illustrating how these women laid critical foundations for future generations. The strength of WOMEN WHO RUN HOLLYWOOD lies in its ability to maintain a clear, critical eye while remaining accessible to audiences beyond dedicated film enthusiasts. The anthology refrains from becoming overly technical or academic, ensuring its appeal reaches everyday viewers.

WOMEN WHO RUN HOLLYWOOD triumphs because it blends historical insights with an irresistible charm. It successfully invites audiences to reconsider whose stories are told and whose legacies get remembered, urging a reexamination of cinematic history through fresh eyes. This anthology corrects historical oversight by placing these women firmly at the center, where they truly belong. Its vibrant storytelling and critical clarity ensure viewers won't just remember these groundbreaking women—they'll celebrate their achievements long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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