The Bus Ride with Gloria
by Karen Pecota

Filmmaker Julie Taymor directs the narrative feature The Glorias and takes the film audience on a walk down memory lane telling the story of legendary women's rights activist, Gloria Steinem. Taymor's narrative is based on Steinem's book, "My Life on the Road." The film features Gloria in four stages of her life thus Taymor uses four exceptional actresses (Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Lulu Wilson, Alicia Vikander, Julianne Moore) to represent each stage from childhood to adulthood but one of the most fascinating aspect of the story telling is the setting.

Taymor begins Gloria's story on a bus as a schoolgirl and she shares her childhood upbringing and experiences that take her into the next phase of growing up. The next aged Gloria appears on the bus along with the younger Gloria to tell her story as the younger listens. Eventually all four Glorias are on the bus together each having told their story as the younger ones listened. Throughout the film a conversation develops with the all four Glorias as they make sense of a sojourner in progress, game changer and a person in process. Always learning and never to stop maturing.

Taymor is remarkably creative as she gives space to explain each era of Gloria's life and how she was moved to be a voice for women's rights. Her sphere of influence has been incredible and her loving kindness toward others has never faltered. Impressive is how Taymor succeeds to present one of the most fascinating character developments of a person's life achievements told in remarkable fashion. A film not to be missed. You will not regret or ever forget your walk with The Glorias.

Release date: September 25, 2020