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Happygrrl of the Month:
Uma Thurman...
YOU WANTED TO KNOW
The Happygrrl of the Month title is given to a cool chick who exemplifies the true essence of being a Happygrrl. Which means that she possesses independence, a sense of humour and a slightly neurotic side.
Our Happygrrl of the Month is…Uma Thurman.
Uma Thurman is this year's Nicole Kidman. And why shouldn't she be? Coming off a highly publicized split with husband Ethan Hawke hasn't stopped the determined mother of two from bringing forth one of the most anticipated movies of this year, Kill Bill: Volume II, just as it didn't stilt her career in 1992 when she divorced notoriously eccentric Gary Oldman and starred in Pulp Fiction. And let's face it, just like Nicole, Uma must have been getting tired of wearing the flats for her vertically-average husband.
It's easy to see why some might hate Uma - Quentin Tarantino's high praises for her (as well as for himself), and all the countless hype surrounding the Kill Bill movies is enough to make you want to live in a cave. But Uma takes this sudden rise in fame with grace and sophistication, which is a rare commodity in Hollywood. She once described herself as "tall, sandy blonde, with sort of blue eyes, skinny in places, fat in others. An average gal." But Uma is to average as Bill Gates is to middle-class.
It's hard to overlook the spotty resume: indie hits like Even Cowgirls Get The Blues (1993) and Pulp Fiction (1994) showcased her serious acting chops, while mainstream flops like Gattaca (1997) and Paycheck (2003) derailed her potential. And then there's Cheerleader Camp II (1990), something that even the most die-hard Uma fan may shake their head at. Well, we can't properly blame Uma for this 1990 straight-to-video slasher exploitation - the girl's gotta pay the bills somehow. (Update: There are rampant rumours on the internet that Thurman did have a small role in this film, but we've since learned that it is in fact not Thurman, but a creepy look-alike.)
In this year's Kill Bill: Volume II, Uma once again finds herself on a quest to kill the elusive Bill. Unlike the first installment, emotions take precedence over blood. Although Tarantino should be commended for writing an exceptional movie on all levels, it is Uma that truly steals the show. And then we must give Tarantino more kudos for knowing, and for us eventually finding out, that Uma was born to play Black Mamba/The Bride. With only an eye flicker, she can go from scorned lover to ruthless killer to caring mother, and we never grow tired of seeing it. She is a classic beauty, confident, and a noble actress.
Her staying power in Hollywood is only one indication of why Uma is our choice for this Battle of the Sexes issue. Guys and gals alike appreciate her likeability factor - and the fact that, after Kill Bill, she can kick anyone's ass.
As Sunshine kindly tells us:
Not only does she have a circa 1930's movie star looks, she can kick your ass for staring too long. Anyone that knows me knows that I have been all about Uma for years, I am glad the rest of the world caught up. She is sexy for the boys, and a great role model for the ladies. She never plays the stereotypical "damsel in distress" roles. Granted, it is hard for a 6-foot tall woman to look too distressed, but she refuses to play into the stereotype. Then, in Kill Bill, she took it to another level. She was the main ass-kicker in the movie, and had oh so bad-ass Michael Madsen shaking in his cowboy boots. On top of all the glam and fame she is also a single mom, having flicked away her cheating excuse for a husband Ethan Hawke.The best Uma moment has to be the diner scene with John Travolta in Pulp Fiction. Not only was she drop dead gorgeous, she stole the scene without being over the top.
If you have yet to kneel at the altar of Ms. Thurman join me in shouting at the top of your lungs, "It's all about Uma!!!"
You can catch Ms. Thurman later this year in the sequel to Get Shorty, Be Cool. ¤ C.Ho.