Status: Available

Mothers and Daughters in Film

An exploration of mother-daughter dynamics in classic and contemporary film

Moderator: Janet Schrader

Details

PURPOSE:

In this seminar participants will examine both classic and contemporary films that focus on complex relationships between mothers and daughters.

DESCRIPTION:

Mother-daughter relationships have long served as a compelling lens through which filmmakers explore themes of love, identity, sacrifice, and generational conflict. In classic films, these relationships often depicted self-sacrificing mothers, emphasizing the powerful influence of maternal devotion. The classic film Mildred Pierce (1945) portrayed a mother who would do anything for her daughter, reflecting societal expectations of women and motherhood in earlier eras.

In contemporary cinema, mother-daughter dynamics have changed to include a wider range of experiences and emotional complexities, often breaking from idealized portrayals. Films like Lady Bird (2017) and The Lost Daughter (2021) reveal the tensions and conflicts in these relationships, embracing ambivalence and exploring how personal desires and identity can clash with the demands of motherhood.

ROLE OF PARTICIPANTS: Participants will view films on their own prior to each session. Each participant will do a 20-30 minute presentation and then lead a discussion on a selected film. Participants can recommend readings and can show film clips such as trailers or on-screen presentations.

RESOURCES:

A list of films will be provided, but participants are welcome to suggest others. Films should be available through Kanopy or streaming services and library DVDs.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR: I have been a librarian in both public and research libraries, most recently as Bibliographic Supervisor at the CWMARS Library Network.