Movie review: Who Does She Think She Is?

by Lena Dirbashi

From Japan and Indonesia to Greece and Egypt, ancient civilizations have always commemorated and worshiped feminine entities, according to Who Does She Think She Is?, a breakthrough documentary on the struggles of today's female artists. Depictions of women taking part in highly regarded positions of society are especially evident in the paintings, sculptures, and drawings left behind by these civilizations.

But in wake of Western civilization and basic tenants of new-found religions calling for a monotheistic male God, women who historically functioned in society as major contributors to arts and sciences were effectively shut out from any form of advancement for the next 3,000 years.

Directed by Academy Award winner Pamela Tanner Boll, Who Does She Think She Is? illustrates the determination and challenges of five mothers from various geographical, ethnic, and economic backgrounds who struggle to find balance between their love for the arts and their commitments to their families in a society that doesn’t embrace this fusion.

Camille Musser is a native of St. Vincent who has a passion for watercolor painting and lives with her husband and two teens in Cambridge, Mass. Angela Williams has two daughters and is a gifted vocal performer who auditions for Broadway musicals. Janis Wunderlich has five children and is a sculptor. Maye Torres resides with her two sons in Taos, N.M., where she presents her artistic talent on paper, metal, and clay. Mayumi Oda is a Japanese-American print-maker turned political and social activist who resides in Hawaii.

The film sheds light on an important dilemma: What would happen if a mother didn’t have to choose between work and family?

Some of the mothers, who often spend hours at their in-house studios, have been accused of being selfish. However, it is worthy to point out that had these mothers pursued careers in law, medicine, or education –- since sacrifices are compensated with higher income -- it would be more acceptable, the film asserts. As one artist rhetorically asks in the film, “Why would you spend time on something with no monetary gain?”

It is difficult to separate the messages of feminism, the arts, and advocacy in Who Does She Think She Is? as it boldly points out astonishing facts that challenge the progression for gender equality in the United States. For example, the film reveals that while about 50% of the professionally trained artists in the U.S. are women, the percentage of female artists represented at major institutions is very small. Take for instance the National Gallery of Art: 98% of the works on display are by men.

The facts and figures in this film are discouraging, and while all the women in the film successfully fulfill their passion in the arts, it is not without sacrifices. Three out of the five artists become divorced at some point in their lives as a direct result of pursuing their artistic dreams. Though inspiring at many lengths, the sacrifices are not sugarcoated, and for aspiring mothers who may share some of the passion and struggles of these women, the consequences could be seen as precaution.

Who Does She Think She Is? ends with a promising message, though. According to the film, studies reveal that what’s good for women is good for men -- and therefore good for children. Statistics disclose a correlation between improved statuses for women and an overall higher quality of life. Since the arts reflect the human understanding and since over half of the human population are women, a more equal share in art contribution would benefit everyone.