About Iron Jawed Angels (HBO)

'Iron Jawed Angels', released in 2004, is an American historical drama film directed by Katja von Garnier. It follows the struggle of the women's suffrage movement in 1920's America, focusing specifically on the audacious tactics of two key activists. Using unconventional and bold strategies to attract attention, these women risked their lives for a cause that aimed to provide women with the right to vote.

Plot and Summary

The film features two fierce activists, Alice Paul (Hilary Swank) and Lucy Burns (Frances O'Connor), who fight to secure the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, thereby, granting women the right to vote. Amidst conservatism, Paul and Burns form the National Women's Party, organize rallies and endure hunger strikes, police brutality and imprisonment, all in their quest for equality.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by HBO and was filmed in the United States. Despite revolving around historical events, it employed modern filming techniques and contemporary music to give the narrative a dynamic and current feel.

Actors

• Hilary Swank as Alice Paul - Swank embodied the spirit of a determined and bold activist, resonating the true essence of Alice Paul.
• Frances O'Connor as Lucy Burns - O'Connor portrayed the part of a committed and resilient activist, adeptly rendering the character of Lucy Burns.
• Julia Ormond as Inez Milholland - Ormond gave an inspiring performance as a passionate advocate for women's rights.
• Anjelica Huston as Carrie Chapman Catt - Huston was able to perfectly capture the mature realist Catt and her internal conflicts.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Iron Jawed Angels" refers to the derisive term used by their detractors to describe Alice Paul and Lucy Burns due to their spirited activist approach.
• The film was not shot in chronological order. This posed significant challenges for the cast in maintaining the emotional continuity of their characters.

Awards

'Iron Jawed Angels' won the Golden Globe Award for 'Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries' for Hilary Swank's powerful portrayal of Alice Paul.

Quotes

• "This is no longer a movement of ladies, it is a movement of women" - Alice Paul
• "Never underestimate the power we women have to define our own destiny" - Inez Milholland

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie used contemporary music (like soul and R&B) in its soundtrack to create a more engaging and modern ambiance. Tracks like "Dreams" by The Brand New Heavies and "Give The People What They Want" by The O’Jays were part of the movie's soundtrack.