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86th out of 337 books
—
136 voters
The Accidental Feminist: How Elizabeth Taylor Raised Our Consciousness and We Were Too Distracted by Her Beauty to Notice
by
M.G. Lord
Movie stars establish themselves as brands--and Taylor's brand , in its most memorable outings, has repeatedly introduced a broad audience to feminist ideas. In her breakout film, "National Velvet" (1944), Taylor's character challenges gender discrimination,: Forbidden as a girl to ride her beloved horse in an important race, she poses as a male jockey. Her next milestone,
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Hardcover, 214 pages
Published
January 31st 2012
by Walker & Company
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I have always been a big fan of Elizabeth Taylor. I love her movies, her jewelry, her life, and her passion. When I was in high school I wrote a paper on her life and loves. I own several biographies of hers. So when I was recently checking the bookdrop, I stumbled upon a new biography of Ms. Taylor by M.G. Lord. The title, The Accidental Feminist: How Elizabeth Taylor Raised Our Consciousness and We Were Too Distracted by Her Beauty to Notice, intrigued me so I checked it out and moved it up t...more
In M.G. Lord's new book, "The Accidental Feminist: How Elizabeth Taylor Raised Our Consciousness and We Were Too Distracted By Her Beauty to Notice," we explore, from a different perspective, the life of Elizabeth Taylor. Beneath the beauty and sexy sultriness is another kind of woman. A woman whose roles in her movies mirrored aspects seldom shown in beautiful women: independence, toughness, and the willingness to take on unpopular causes.
From her first big role in National Velvet to Who's Afra...more
From her first big role in National Velvet to Who's Afra...more
A highly readable tract by M.G. Lord highlighting the feminist streak running through a number of Liz's best known roles. It's not hard to see the feminist bent in films like 'Giant', 'The Sandpiper' and 'BUtterfield 8' (despite its flaws, a highly significant film not only for Lord but Camille Paglia as well) so a good argument is built up. A lot is made of Taylor's power as a performer to bypass simple analytical thinking and appeal to the nervous systems of her audience. My main gripe is that...more
Elizabeth Taylor had an amazing life and career. She's one of those fascinating cultural icons who stands apart from mere mortals, growing up in the public eye, her personal life as dramatic as any film she starred in. It was inevitable that her influence, her "brand," would affect the public consciousness.
M.G. Lord takes a look at the life and work of Elizabeth Taylor through the lens of feminism, pointing out the blatantly obvious messages in some films and the slightest nuances in others. I...more
M.G. Lord takes a look at the life and work of Elizabeth Taylor through the lens of feminism, pointing out the blatantly obvious messages in some films and the slightest nuances in others. I...more
This is quite insightful, both about feminism in general, as well as Elizabeth Taylor as a person and her movie characters. It was a pleasant read that made me regret I haven't seen some of the mentioned films yet.
However, it was almost a bit too pleasant to read. Obviously it's meant as non-fiction and not a proper scientific text, but I would have appreciated some more informations or citations of feminist texsts and more elaboration on the films/characters.
However, it was almost a bit too pleasant to read. Obviously it's meant as non-fiction and not a proper scientific text, but I would have appreciated some more informations or citations of feminist texsts and more elaboration on the films/characters.
This is TRUE Elizabeth Taylor in every sense. She did in fact raise our consciousness by her courage not to live her life by the conventional standards of the time. The sensuality she exuded both on the screen and off, is legendary. She was a woman way ahead of her time and this book illustrates her lust for life, her passion for humanity and her unstoppable determination to be with the man of her choice.
While some claim Lord's premise is weak, there is much more to Elizabeth Taylor than meets the violet eye. There are some great lines in this book about a woman who could have led a very different life, one that some would say is more appropriate for a beautiful woman of means. Elizabeth Taylor was and continues to be, a woman unafraid to stand up for the rights of others and defend herself very capably.
Caveat: aside from a Taming of the Shrew viewing in AP English (which I barely recall), I haven't seen any of Taylor's films. I am a Millennial, so Elizabeth Taylor is the crazy lady who was pals with Michael Jackson. She had many, many marriages, sold perfume, and was Cleopatra.
Oh, but she was so much more. If there is an honest, legitimate biography of Taylor, I would like to read it.
The Accidental Feminist is fun, though I'm not quite sure I buy the premise. Lord writes, "I'm not projecting...more
Oh, but she was so much more. If there is an honest, legitimate biography of Taylor, I would like to read it.
The Accidental Feminist is fun, though I'm not quite sure I buy the premise. Lord writes, "I'm not projecting...more
Feb 21, 2012
Susan
added it
I read this because the concept intrigued me. It still does. Unfortunately, the writing is unfocused and doesn't deliver on the promise of the theory. So, what I mostly took away from the book is hope that I can someday succeed as an author, if someone this inept can get published.
I loved this book! It was a very interesting perspective on Liz Taylor's contribution to film, and I was very inspired to view more of her films. She is a somewhat controversial actress, based on her behavior, and I think her strength as a woman comes out in this book.
This book says more about the author's perception of feminism in Taylor's movies then in Taylor's views. This reads like a college paper that is not particularly well thought out or well documented, since some of her conclusions aren't especially well supported.
I adored this. Lord writes in such a simple, honest and refreshing way about a complex woman who was so misunderstood. I was never a huge Taylor fan but the title on the new book shelf caught my eye, and now I plan on seeing several of her classic flicks back-to-back.
I'm not entirely convinced, but I consider the book worthwhile in that I gained a new perspective on a figure largely defined for my generation by her over-the-top gemstone-themed perfume line and ardent defense of Michael Jackson.
i did enjoy reading this, but i think it would make a better documentary film than it does a book. the subject itself is interesting conversational fodder. and i can see how it would have been an interesting lecture or paper topic for a women's studies or film class. but without the films (or at least film clips) to accompany the text the book loses some of it's power and falls flat.
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This was a quick, interesting read. Some of the theories were stretched a little far to make their point, but overall, very interesting. Now I want to see her movies that were discussed in the book. And read more about her life.
I got an advance copy from my friend who's in the book business. I loved this! I was completely surprised, couldn't care less about ET, but became so intrigued. Wonderfully written...
Couldn't really get into it. I didn't realize how few of her movies I've seen. I thought it was going to be more about feminism, but is more of a fan book.
Meh, love Elizabeth Taylor, but wasn't crazy about this book. However, I do agree with it's thesis.
Now I need to watch Taylor's films again to see if this thesis holds up. The book was a quick, fun read, regardless.
Jul 02, 2012
Susannah
added it
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You go, Facetwin! Be a zeitgeist!
I wish it was longer. So fascinating.
An accidental find! Was fun and quick read.
This book is a report of most of the movies where Elizabeth Taylor acted. It claims that the movies are part of some kind of secret plot with wich the actress wanted to defend the point of sexual egalitarism. I really did not quite get that point; but rather enjoyed the thorough descriptions of the different plot summaries; and the well-presented chronological order of the films.
So very interesting, so full of informational nuggets on Taylor, Hollywood and even peripheral topics, like lobotomies. It's not heavy on theory and isn't "academic" in nature, so if that's what you want, you'll be disappointed. I'm not, because M.G. Lord does this particular type of book -- a breezy blend of feminist perspectives, history and wit -- exceedingly well.
I'm not convinced but it was a valiant try.
You've convinced me to go watch some Liz Taylor movies.
This is great book! It' not quite a biography, but a review of Elizabeth Taylor's roles and how they were consistantly feminist. They portrayed womoen who tried to buck the system, or fight against the male dictated norms of the time. I have not seen any of these films, but I will now make an effort to do so.
It started out interesting, but in the end, I couldn't finish it. It read too much like a grad school thesis.
A uniquely fascinating concept about a uniquely fascinating women. It was a unnecessarily drawn out in some places but if you grew up in her heyday you will appreciate and enjoy this.
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