"Monalisa Smile"

What is the theme of the movie?

The battle for women's rights and emancipation in the conventional and
conservative society of the 1950s is the central topic of the film "Mona Lisa Smile."
The narrative centers on Katherine Watson, a progressive art history instructor who
joins the esteemed all-Wellesley women's College in Massachusetts. She encourages
her pupils to follow their hobbies and reject social norms surrounding marriage and
parenting while challenging them to think critically and independently.

The female characters in the film are under social pressure to fit into stereotypical
gender stereotypes and to put marriage and family before their own dreams and
professions. This issue of gender inequality is portrayed throughout the film.

What is the specific scene where the title of the movie reflected?

The title of the film "Mona Lisa Smile" is referenced in a specific scene where Kirsten
Dunst's character Betty Warren and her friends are seeing a Mona Lisa painting in an
art gallery. Betty asks, "What's the point? What's she so thrilled about?" as she
explains that she does not see why the painting is such a big deal. The actor Julia
Roberts' Katherine Watson enters the scene at this point and says, "That's the idea.
See how her lips looks to be saying one thing, but the eyes, they are telling
something else? She's smiling, but she's thinking something quite else." This moment
exemplifies the movie's main message, which is about a progressive art history
professor who challenges the societal expectations put on her female pupils and
encourages them to think for themselves, even if it means defying the norms of the
historical period in which the movie is set. The phrase "Mona Lisa Smile" is a
metaphor for the concept that individuals might have hidden depths and complexity
that are not immediately evident and that looks can be misleading.
What scene has the most impact to you and why?

One scene that stands out is the climax of the film when Katherine delivers a
passionate speech to her graduating students, urging them to pursue their dreams
and live their lives on their own terms. This scene is impactful because it
encapsulates the central theme of the movie, which is the struggle for women's
liberation and equality.

Give the most unforgettable line or dialogue.

There are several memorable lines and dialogues in "Mona Lisa Smile," but one of
the most unforgettable ones is Katherine Watson's statement, "What is art? Art is a
lie that makes us realize truth." This line captures the essence of the film's
exploration of the role of art in society and its ability to challenge and question
established norms and beliefs. It also reflects Katherine's character, who is a teacher
and an artist, and who encourages her students to think critically and creatively
about their lives and the world around them. The line is thought provoking and
inspiring, and it underscores the importance of art in shaping our perceptions of
reality and inspiring us to see the world in new and different ways.