ABSTRACT
The presentation of rape in the movie Thelma and Louise differs from its presentation in other contemporary films such as Wild at Heart or Last Exit to Brooklyn in that Thelma and Louise acknowledges the presence in the viewing audience of women who have been raped. In the movie, however, as in real life, there is still no justice for women who have been raped. And there is still no public consensus about punishing rapists. Louise (Susan Sarandon) is much more authentic. She has boundaries. Traditionally this used to read on screen as "cold," but by breaking character-type Louise is allowed depth and self-knowledge. Even though it is Thelma who is beaten and sexually assaulted, Louise delivers the anti-rape message of the film, not only by killing the rapist, but also by making a clear statement directed at male viewers. Directly after the assault, her knees are covered with bruises, but Thelma exhibits no other physical or emotional reaction.
