SIFF's "The Actresses": 6 powerful women, 1 room

The ActressesThe Seattle International Film festival movie "The Actresses" is a tale of the most prominent Korean drama actresses in a mocumentary of a photo shoot set up by Vogue magazine showcasing the women as "more beautiful than jewelry." The 6 actresses all coming to the studio were all nervous in their own way as the intimidation factor of each actresses ego and reputation would trump each others and create conflict.

As the actresses arrived each one brought their career with them. One who was fresh out of work and had been divorced with some extra baggage. Another who had just flown in from Tokyo and had no time to do this shoot as she was scheduled to leave the next day. One, old, who was quite experienced but had all the characteristics of a grandma which she hated very much. The age range was in full as it covered from old to very young, that being 21. There was the diva, the elder, the new elder, the fat one/drunk, the young one, and the in between one. Each of them either had too much work, none at all, or were steadily putting along.

That being, this spectrum of talented women brought many stories and personalities to the table, literally. They are all usually sitting or standing around something, whether it be a makeup mirror, dinner table, or coffee table. Each sharing stories of one another and how their lives have been in the actresses realm. Each one based on age and appearance/beauty has altered their stories.

Their stories entailed a life of hard work and constant influence on their own morals, way, and path of life. Whether it be an image they had to sustain for the public eye(paparazzi) or being worked so much that their whole life had been ruined where they had no husband and no friends. Their spotlights had forced them to be the utmost standard of beauty as their lives were practically media. Each of their employers were the conglomerates of Korea and if they failed to please them, they would be out of work.

The bechdel test was no question in this movie. The mention of a man was only that of a homosexual one, or a divorced piece of history. No mention of any male figures came up in the movie as the only men you saw were either in a relationship or gay. it was truly all about the actresses and they got an A+ on the test in that respect.

As the actresses opened up to one another their stories were all alike. The industry had ruined their love lives and worked them to the bone. They had been demanded the most out of their images and been used as trophies of television. When all was said and done the women all knew they had to maintain and be strong in an business that demanded them at their best. This movie was all shot in one studio so it was very hard to enjoy it but the relation to the class could not have been better. i just wish it had a conflict and resolution.