Smoke, Flicks, and Chill: Leading Ladies of Cinema

What would you say defines that overtly strong, domineering lead character? The art of movie making certainly has evolved over the years, introducing a new reign of actors, characters, and storylines to alter the way we view what’s on our screens.

More specifically, this evolution in cinema has allowed for the topic of gender and women’s roles to be put in perspective; let’s face it, girls go through some crazy shit too. With the elimination of this damsel-in-distress stigma and allowing for a female lead who embodies strength and courage, actresses have proven that they can command attention, earn the big box office bucks, and ultimately be the HBIC. If you’re still unsure of where to look, here’s a list of the best movie leading ladies (in no particular order) to watch while stoned. Don’t underestimate – just appreciate.

Keira Knightley in Domino (2005)

British temptress Keira Knightley may be accustomed to swashbuckling pirate adventures and a handful of dainty rom-coms, but it’s her representation of real life bounty hunter Domino Harvey that has us praying she turns to action again in the near future. Richard Kelly (known for writing a little twisted tale called Donnie Darko) made great use of the former fashion model’s story, recalling a $10 million heist gone bad through fast-paced, edgy flashbacks. The 31-year old proves she has no problem trading a corset for a colt gun model, bringing new life to the real life Harvey who tragically passed away before the film’s release. Get comfortable with your bowl on that couch of yours, and leave this one to the big girls.

Munchie: Something tells me you’ll need to cool down after this one – go for the ice cream.

Uma Thurman in Kill Bill (2003)

Before I continue on, I’d like to say that not only has Uma Thurman led the charge in a handful of Tarantino films, but the acclaimed director has also made use of a fabulous array of leading women throughout his career – this one is just too hard to pass up. This blonde Amazonian warrior elevates martial arts to another level as ‘The Bride,’ a woman hell bent on revenge after her former group of assassins colleagues leave her for dead. The story, the script, the editing, the narration, Uma’s craftsmanship of a legendary sword; I can go and on and on. And no, if you’re watching at this moment, you’re not just that high. She is just THAT fucking cool.

Munchie: A bowl of cereal – you can hide a lot of things in that box.

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

span style="font-weight: 400;">Kentucky native (and weed smoker) Jennifer Lawrence has gone on to make a household name for herself in Hollywood at the ripe age of 25. She’s earned herself an Oscar, commandeered several movie franchises, and found herself attached at the hip to hilarious comedienne Amy Schumer. Many would argue (with most agreeing) that her big break is after she picked up a bow and arrow as dystopian savior, Katniss Everdeen, in the adapted Hunger Games trilogy. Her presence is domineering and maintains a strong anchor throughout all three films, as she battles her way through a series of challenges and proves she is much more than your average ‘tribute’. District 12 may only thrive on coal mining, but where there’s coal, there’s fire, and where there’s fire.. there’s probably some marijuana burning.

Munchie: Hummus and carrots seem like your best bet – you have to forage for what you can.

Natalie Portman in Black Swan (2010)

Another Academy Award-winner in our midst, Natalie Portman’s flourishing filmography has proved she can handle just about anything. It was back in 2010 that Darren Aronofsky transported the innocent-looking Israeli/American actress into a dark, psychological world where perfection was always kept out of grasp. Portman plays Nina, a ballerina intent on perfecting her role in a production of Swan Lake, but not before a newcomer (Mila Kunis, in one of her best), swoops in and causes distress for the overwhelmed perfectionist. Your own psyche becomes jumbled as you witness her character scramble to get back in touch with reality, and you immediately question if anything you watch is true or just Nina’s idea of what she wants her life to look like. It’s intense, it’s thrilling, and it makes for the absolute perfect film to watch with your head in the clouds.

Munchie: A real, nice burger – extra bloody.

Emily Blunt in Sicario (2015)

We’re transported into the gruesome, unspoken world of Mexican drug cartels with this recent crime-thriller. Though set with a cast of gun-toting large burly men, Emily Blunt holds her own and shines as Kate Macer, an FBI Agent who quickly becomes entangled in this dangerous world and questions whether or not she’s going to make it out in one piece. Blunt has already proved she’s a BAMF, standing alongside Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow and making full use of her icy prowess in The Huntsman: Winter’s War, so it should come as no surprise that Sicario makes great use of the 33-year old UK native. With 3 Oscar noms under its belt, the film’s combination of talent with a great story and beautiful cinematography that’ll convert you into an full-fledged Emily Blunt in no time (I mean, The Devil Wears Prada is a classic already, so you have no excuse as it is).