This article comprises a detailed fact sheet about “Lady Bird,” the 2017 film by Greta Gerwig, which is a poignant coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of early 2000s Sacramento. This film resonates deeply with anyone who has navigated the turbulent waters of adolescence. It masterfully captures the essence of teenage rebellion, the yearning for self-discovery, and the bittersweet pangs of growing up. Through its vivid storytelling and heartfelt performances, “Lady Bird” becomes more than just a film; it’s an evocative journey into the soul of a youth, brimming with humor, pathos, and authenticity that mirrors the intricacies of real-life relationships.
At the heart of “Lady Bird” lies the tumultuous yet tender bond between Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson and her strong-willed mother, Marion. The film explores themes of familial tension and unconditional love, revealing the often unspoken struggles between a mother striving to provide and a daughter yearning to break free. It is in these moments of conflict and reconciliation that “Lady Bird” finds its profound emotional resonance.
Greta Gerwig’s directorial vision shines through every frame, infusing the narrative with a distinct sense of place and time. Sacramento, depicted with nostalgic affection, becomes a character in its own right, embodying both the comfort and constraints of Lady Bird’s world. The film’s rich visual and auditory landscapes, coupled with its sharp, witty dialogue, create an immersive experience that transports viewers back to their own formative years. “Lady Bird” is not just a film; it’s a beautifully crafted tapestry of life’s complexities, celebrating the messy, imperfect, and ultimately transformative journey of finding one’s own identity.
Here are ten interesting facts about the amazing film you would love to know and might not find elsewhere.
Have you ever wondered why and how the film was titled “Lady Bird”?
Well, here’s the little story that goes behind the unique title! When Gerwig wrote her first script, the film’s working title was “Mothers and Daughters.” Though the origin of the word dates back to the 16th century, its meaning totally changed by the end of the 17th century. According to Gerwig, the title struck her mind out of nowhere. Only later she remembered reading the word in the 18th-century Mother Goose nursery rhyme. Coincidentally, the same rhyme happens to be the inspiration for the 1994 drama “Ladybird, Ladybird.”
Had Gerwig gone with her first script, how long would the movie be?
Greta Gerwig first envisioned the film in 2006 and began working on her script in 2013. Back then, her first script was an expansive opus with a prodigious length of 350 pages. So, going by the traditional rule of thumb, wherein one page amounts to a minute on screen, Gerwig’s film would have been almost six hours long. It would have required multiple breaks and naps to complete!!
A long-standing confusion about whether the movie is or isn’t autobiographical still lingers around
Here’s the answer. Gerwig’s film was set in her hometown of Sacramento, but the director herself labels the movie semi-autobiographical. She even elaborates that nothing in the film exactly happened to her in her teenage years, yet everything had some truth in it stemming from her personal experiences in those years.
Do you know who is the lucky chap who got a role of their own choice?
Among the star cast, there was one star who literally got to choose their role on their own. It was none other than Lucas Hedges who was given an opportunity by Gerwig to choose among any of the male roles in the film. Well, had he chosen the role of Lady Bird’s dad, Gerwig would have to reject his choice. But Hedges chose the role of Danny, and undoubtedly, it was a good decision because we all loved him in the role.
How integral is the role Sacramento actually plays in the film?
The film is based in Sacramento because Gerwig herself lived there up until college. Though the film is centered in Sacramento from the beginning to the end, the complete film was not shot in Sacramento. Apart from a week of shooting consisting of some external shots, a major part of the film was shot in California and New York City.
What are some of the interesting records made by Lady Bird?
The film was released on 10th November 2017. In the same month, it broke the Rotten Tomatoes record for the most consecutive positive reviews with 170, surpassing Toy Story 2, which previously held the record with 163. Lady Bird also has a 100% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which indicates universal acclaim from critics. Basically, the film had no rotten ratings. However, it later got a negative review from film critic Cole Smithey. Smithey gave the movie a B-minus rating, saying, “Lady Bird doesn’t have the courage of her convictions.”
Saoirse Ronan and Beanie Feldstein were not just a savior for each other in the reel but also in real
We all saw how Lady Bird and Julie were best friends in the film who drifted apart in between but were again back together as true friendship survives all the tests of time. But very few know that they even had each other’s back on the set and lend a helping hand in performing their scenes. Being Jewish, Feldstein had a hard time playing a Catholic schoolgirl, but Ronan came to her rescue and helped Feldstein with all the prayers in the film. Similarly, Ronan is an Irish Catholic and hence had never heard the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Feldstein reciprocates the gesture by teaching Ronan the same. Isn’t it lovely!
Ronan was troubled to the core with one word
As stated above, Ronan is Irish, and she naturally speaks with an Irish accent. She mostly managed her American accent well, but there was one word that tripped her up and prevented a flawless performance. Appropriately, that word was “perfect.”
Was Lady Bird actually Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut?
The answer to this question is a yes as well as a no. No, because Gerwig’s first directorial effort was actually “Nights and Weekends,” a film she co-directed with Joe Swanberg in 2008. And a yes because Lady Bird was her solo directorial debut, and she also wrote the film solo.
What was so special about Saoirse Ronan’s hair transformation?
To prepare for the role of Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan dyed her naturally blonde hair a vibrant red. This change was significant not just for aesthetic reasons but also to help Ronan embody her character’s rebellious and fiery personality. The transformation was done by renowned colorist Laurie Heaps, who worked to ensure that the shade perfectly matched the spirited nature of Lady Bird.
Conclusion
“Lady Bird” concludes with a resonant emotional crescendo that lingers long after the final frame. As Lady Bird, now having shed her given name, Christine, navigates the bittersweet reality of her new life in New York, the film encapsulates the poignant transition from adolescence to adulthood. Her journey is marked by key moments: the exhilarating defiance of jumping from a moving car during an argument with her mother, the tender yet strained relationship with her best friend Julie, and the heart-wrenching realization of the sacrifices her parents made. These scenes are interwoven with the universal themes of self-discovery and the search for belonging.
The film’s impact is profound, resonating in the hearts and minds of its audience as it reflects the universal struggle of carving out one’s own path while grappling with the ties that bind us to our roots. “Lady Bird” is a heartfelt homage to the messy, beautiful process of growing up. It leaves its audience with a renewed appreciation for the intricate dance between independence and connection that defines the human experience.
