Free Lover is a short film that dramatizes the life of Victoria Woodhull, a trailblazing woman in American history. Set in 1870, the film follows Woodhull, portrayed by Christina Leidel, as she becomes the first woman to be nominated for the US presidency. Despite the societal constraints of her time, Woodhull challenges the status quo with her advocacy for "free love" and equal rights. Guided by the spiritual presence of Demosthenes (Travis West), an ancient Greek statesman, Woodhull embarks on a campaign that emphasizes personal freedom, including in matters of love and marriage. Her platform attracts controversy, especially from figures like Reverend Henry Ward Beecher (Beau Blanchard), who condemns her views as an attack on traditional marriage.
As her campaign unfolds, Woodhull faces increasing opposition and scrutiny, which culminates in her considering exposing the personal hypocrisies of her political adversaries. Despite her pioneering spirit and significant achievements—being the first female stockbroker, publisher, and speaker before Congress—her radical ideas and the backlash from the exposure of a prominent preacher's secrets hinder her progress.
Free Lover, based on the documentary America’s Victoria, Remembering Victoria Woodhull by Victoria Lynn Weston, provides a glimpse into Woodhull's remarkable yet tumultuous journey, highlighting her role as a visionary who dared to challenge the societal norms of her time. The story itself is where Free Lover excels, almost achieving the status of an artful biopic. However, its potential is undermined by certain production choices.
One of the main issues is the reliance on cheap CGI to set the scene. Given the film’s tone and the set-dressing, which resemble a stage play, it would have been more effective if Weston had embraced these theatrical elements. Simple stagecraft techniques, such as off-stage voices and sounds, could have achieved the same narrative effects without the jarring impact of subpar CGI. Additionally, the incorporation of spiritual elements, while intriguing to some, might be seen as bewildering and distracting to others due to their presentation.
Overall, Free Lover is a mixed bag, but it is not without merit. Library patrons or students interested in short-form entertainment focused on pioneering women and the early women’s rights movement will find Free Lover enjoyable. The film's portrayal of the era is vivid and engaging, offering a compelling introduction to the fascinating and undervalued story of Victoria Woodhull. For those seeking more detailed information, Weston’s PBS documentary about Woodhull is a better resource. Recommended.
How can high school or college classrooms use this short film as an educational resource?
College or high school classrooms can use the short film Free Lover as an educational resource in several effective ways:
Historical Context and Women's Rights Movement:
- The film provides a dramatized account of Victoria Woodhull's life, a key figure in the early women's rights movement. Teachers can use it to introduce students to Woodhull’s contributions and the broader context of the suffrage movement in the late 19th century.
- Discussions can focus on Woodhull’s pioneering achievements as the first female stockbroker, publisher, and presidential candidate, highlighting the significant barriers women faced during that era.
Discussion on Social Norms and Free Love:
- The film’s emphasis on Woodhull's advocacy for "free love" and personal freedom can spark discussions on how societal norms regarding marriage and personal relationships have evolved.
- Teachers can facilitate debates on the reception of radical ideas and how they challenge or reinforce societal norms, encouraging students to consider the balance between personal freedom and societal expectations.
Ethics and Political Strategy:
- Woodhull’s consideration of exposing the personal hypocrisies of her adversaries can lead to ethical discussions about political strategy and the personal cost of public life.
- Classes can debate the ethical implications of Woodhull's actions and the consequences she faced, drawing parallels to modern political and social movements.
Inspirational Role Models:
- Highlighting Woodhull’s pioneering spirit and her significant but often overlooked contributions can serve to inspire students, particularly young women, to learn about and engage with historical and contemporary social justice issues.
- Assignments can include research projects on other pioneering women who, like Woodhull, challenged societal norms and contributed to significant social changes.
Incorporating Free Lover into classroom settings can provide a multifaceted educational experience, enriching students' understanding of history, social issues, media analysis, and ethics.