The Transformation of Women's roles in families from 19th Century to Now

 

           

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Set in 1953, Mona Lisa Smile tells the story of Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts), a new young art history professor at Wellesley College, an all-female campus with a prestigious reputation for academic excellence. Unfortunately for free-minded Berkeley grad Watson, her East Coast teaching stint comes during a less-progressive time that finds most of her students -- among them Betty Warren (Kirsten Dunst), Joan Brandwyn (Julia Stiles), and Giselle Levy (Maggie Gyllenhaal) -- more interested in nabbing a good husband than achieving scholastic and intellectual growth. Watson challenges her students and the Wellesley faculty to think outside of the current mores of the community and redefine what it means to be a success; meanwhile, she tries to come to terms with her own heart's desires.

CHARACTERS

 

Katherine Watson--Julia Roberts

 

 

Betty Warren--Kirsten Dunst

  

 

Joan Brandwyn--Julia Stiles

 

Giselle Levy--Maggie Gyllenhaal 

 

Connie Baker--Ginnifer Goodwin

 

Bill Dunbar--Dominic West

 

 

Nancy Abbey--Marcia Gay Harden

 

 

Amanda Armstrong--Juliet Stevenson

 

 

Principal of College Wellesley--Marian Seldes

 

 

 

References: http://www.allmovie.com/movie/mona-lisa-smile-v283264/