The weekend, Wonder Woman (2017) premiered beating box office expectations. This film mark the first time Wonder Woman appeared on the big screen. Also, note this film a woman directed this film and a non-American woman was the lead actress.
Patty Jenkins, the Director
Patty Jenkins (Patricia Lea Jenkins) was born on July 24, 1971 at George Air Force Base, Victorville, California. Jenkins received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Painting from the Cooper Union in New York City, but she eventually transitioned to filmmaking. For eight years, she worked as a First Assistant Camera Person/Focus Puller. After attending the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles, she wrote and directed her hit film, Monster. Her film won several awards including several major awards in the category of ‘Best Actress’ and Best First Feature at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards.
Since her success with Monster (2003), she has directed many commercials and TV programs including the pilot and finale AMC’s The Killing. In 2015, Jenkins signed on to direct Wonder Woman (2017) after fellow director Michelle MacLaren left the project. Jenkins took on the project facing industry stigma, pressure from fans, steep competition from Marvel, and the high budget of the film itself. She worked in stride to direct a film that is appealing across generations while fitting into the dark, gritty world of the DC Extended Universe.
When considering her inspiration for directing the role of Wonder Woman, Jenkins took inspiration from the character’s creator William Moulton Marston and how modern-day fans perceive her. In an interview with Buzzfeed, she said she was inspired by “the Wonder Woman that I see women dress up every year at Halloween as. … The reason I love Wonder Woman is how positive and wish-fulfillment-esque she is,” Jenkins explained. “She stands for positive things and love, yet she’s cool and sexy.”
Patty Jenkins is found on Twitter @PattyJenks.
Gal Gadot, Lead Actress
Gal Gadot was born in Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel to a Jewish family on April 30, 1985. Before she became an actress, Gadot served in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years as a fitness trainer. In 2004, she won the title of Miss Israel. Following her win, she began modeling in the late 2000’s. In 2009, she made her acting debut when she was casted as Giselle in Fast & Furious 4. She reprises her role in the Fast Five (2011) and Fast & Furious 6 (2013). In all the films, she was known for performing her own stunts.
In December 2013, Gadot landed the role of Wonder Woman in the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). While the movie did not do well in the box office, her role as Wonder Woman was considered one of the best parts. Her portrayal as Wonder Woman continued Wonder Woman (2017), an origin story for the iconic DC hero. The solo film has already received great reviews. She will continue her role as Wonder Woman in the upcoming films, Justice League (2017) and Justice League Part Two.
Gadot considers the role of Wonder Woman is a privilege because of her iconic symbolism and values. Her daughters and other women close to her were the reasons why she took on the roll. Gadot said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
“I try not to think about being a role model; I try to be the best version of myself, period. For myself and for my daughter and for my family, friends. But I do love everything that Wonder Woman represents. She stands for love and compassion and acceptance and truth, and I think that those values are so important, especially nowadays with everything that’s going on in the world. I do believe that if each and every one of us had a little bit of Wonder Woman’s values, the world would be a better place.”
Gadot can be followed on Twitter @GalGadot, Instagram, Facebook, and her personal website.
For inspiration about the movie and Wonder Woman’s history visit here and here.
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