Do you ever feel like a movie knows something intimate about you…that even YOU aren’t completely aware of? Sarah Wilson looks at the film that seemed to know her better than she knew herself, at the time.
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1. What is the one text that has been the most pivotal or influential in your life?
The movie Mona Lisa Smile (2003) utterly changed my life. Julia Roberts “stars” as Katherine Watson, a progressive art history professor at Wellesley. While I am drawn to the film for many reasons, I realize every so often how much my life reflects some of the details (and themes). I cannot tell if I was inspired by the movie and so pursue similar elements in my life, or if Mona Lisa Smile mirrored (anticipated?) my future.
2. When were you first exposed to Mona Lisa Smile? Did it have an impact right away, or was it upon a later interaction?
I believe I just started taking classes at a community college in Maryland after a few years “off” after graduating high school in 2001. My roommate rented it from Blockbuster (how archaic!!). I do not consider myself a “movie watcher,” so the fact that I remember watching this film in great detail is significant. I was memorized by Julia Roberts’ character who seemed to be living my life — or what I wanted to be my life — without really knowing it was my life… if that makes sense. At this point I was not an art history student. In fact, I was on a completely different track and it would take a few years to focus on art history and realize my own potential in academics. Like a lightning bolt, I was hit deeply with the recognition that I wanted to teach — advise — young women. The funny thing is that I was just a “young woman” myself, so this realization was slightly confusing. Over the years at various turning points in my life, I realize how similar my thoughts and feelings are to this fictional character. Honestly, I do not try. It just is. I feel slightly insecure about the fact that I relate so much to a…movie.
3. What is the most profound effect that it has had on your life? Did it change the way you think or see the world? Did it lead you in a new direction in your work or hobbies?
I do not know if it “led” me or if I was already on the track and was haunted by the parallels. Did I mention that at this time (age 20-23), on a regular basis strangers approached me to say ask if I “have ever been told (I) look like Julia Roberts?”
Yes, yes. All the time. Thanks, though. I’ll take it as a compliment.
4. How else has Mona Lisa Smile enriched your life?
It is a sweet, inspiring movie. I can connect my interests in art history, teaching, women’s higher education and feminism to it. It is weird to have all of these things apparent in one film.
5. What reaction do you get when you talk about the importance of the movie? Are people surprised that it had an impact on your life, or do you find that others had a similar reaction as yourself?
I think people know it as a nice movie, and I certainly have had people ask “Oh, have you seen Mona Lisa Smile? I think you would love it!” after hearing of my academic life. I surprise myself (and get a bit concerned) when I think of the trajectory of my life and the movie. I should get over it.
6. Have you found other Julia Roberts movies to be meaningful as well, or was Mona Lisa Smile on a different level?
No, just this one and certainly, as mentioned, it is a unique film to me. (Did I mention that I do not watch movies very often?)
7. Has your perception of Mona Lisa Smile changed as you aged or had powerful life experiences?
I feel like I have a personal connection with this film that no one knows about but me.
8. How do you share Mona Lisa Smile with others?
This is a good question. I do not, really. Maybe I should start sharing…
9. How do people react after you have shared the film with them? Do you sometimes wish you had kept it to yourself?
Oh, it is definitely a secret. It is personal and often difficult to explain to others. I think this is because it is not a very profound text, but it has such an impact on my life.
10. What is the most important part of Mona Lisa Smile to you?
There is a scene in the movie where Katherine Watson has the “What is art?” question with her class. It seems to be the second session (after a disastrous first day, realizing the students have the text completely memorized) and so she utilizes modern and nontraditional works to emphasize the point to the students. (Said like [Parks and Recreation’s Chris] Traeger, “Literally blew their minds!”) She shows a Soutine and says “Is it any good?… There is no textbook telling you what to think.” Wildly confused, this sets the stage for the rest of the movie – everyone is pushed to their limits and the looming question (that reflects “What is art?”) is “What does it mean to be a woman in 1953?”
11. To whom would you recommend Mona Lisa Smile and why?
I would recommend this film to young college women because of its emphasis on independence and academic achievement.
12. What were your “runner-up” texts?
One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Sarah Wilson is an graduate student and an instructor in American studies and women’s studies. Her research focuses on the role of women’s colleges during World War II. You can find her pontificating on the graduate student experience, the environment, and her travels at The Americanist Diversion. Thank you Sarah!