Similarities and Differences Between Thelma and Louise and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Although released generations apart, Thelma and Louise and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid have striking similarities in terms of structure and themes (elements). Both films follow two outlaws (the titular names) running away from law enforcement, trying to get out of the US following a series of crimes and pursuits from the police. Thelma and Louise are attempting to escape into Mexico after Louise murders Harlan, a flirtatious man that attempts to rape Thelma (Thelma & Louise, 1991). Butch Cassidy is the leader of the Hole-in-the-Wall criminal gang. Together with his closest companion (the Sundance Kid), they attempt to escape from the grip of a posse organized by Sherriff Bedsoe after one successful robbery and a second failed robbery (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969). While Thelma’s preferred destination is Mexico, Butch Cassidy’s preferred runaway destination is Bolivia. The two films explore conflicts between outlaws and the police, the desire to live a free life despite circumstantial challenges. The characters appear to be hell-bent on escaping the police, going to any length possible to escape capture.
However, despite the various thematic and structural similarities between the two films, there are several distinct differences between the two films. The main structural difference between the two films lies in the fact that while Butch Cassidy and his accomplice are outlaws from the start of the film (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969), Thelma and Louise are law-abiding citizens who become outlaws as a result of several circumstances. However, the major thematic difference between the two films is seen in their portrayal of men and the relationship between men and women. Thelma and Louise came under heavy criticism for what critics describe as a negative depiction of men and how they treat women. The two females are mistreated by women in several ways. Thelma is married to a controlling husband, Darryl and suffers attempted rape from a prospective romantic interest (Harlan) (Thelma & Louise, 1991). Louise is in an on-again-off-again relationship with Jimmy. She falls for a drifter named J.D., who steals Louise’s life savings. This is contrary to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s depiction of women. The main female character, Etta (the Sundown Kid’s love interest), appears to be loyal to her spouse, aiding their escape.