Silverstone and Suvari
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 12:40PM Kieran, here. It was recently announced that Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari will headline TV Land’s new comedy pilot “American Women”. The project, produced by John Wells (“Shameless”) is set in the 1970s against the tumultuous and backdrop of the sexual revolution. Silverstone and Suvari will play best friends navigating marriage, divorce and motherhood.
Alicia Silverstone and Mena Suvari’s careers have sort of mirrored each other’s, which makes the almost the perfect pair of actresses to headline a vehicle. Both came out of the 90s, with charismatic turns in a high profile role that put them on the map (Clueless and American Beauty, respectively). Sadly, neither actress was able to find a film to match the attention and success of their star-making vehicles, though both have continued to work since their breakthroughs (Suvari more so).
Suvari, billed as the true lead of “American Women” especially could do a lot to change the perception of her and truly give her a front-and-center showcase for her talents. Though mileage varies for everyone where all things American Beauty are concerned (who’s MVP? how poorly or not does the film age?) Suvari absolutely nailed her BAFTA-nominated role (seriously. Look it up) as the flinty, deeply insecure suburban teenager, Angela.
And what of TV Land? It’s true that the network hardly conjures thoughts of quality and prestige television. However, the same could have been said just two short years ago about Lifetime before “UnReal”. Word is TV Land has been looking for a project for some time that will change the face of their network in a similar fashion. In this early stage where we know very little, “American Women” seems promising enough. Plus, it’d be great to see these two actresses get an interesting second act to their careers.
Are you excited for “American Women”?
Reader Comments (10)
Thora Birch,where'd she go, got more praise but Suvari's last scene where she strips for Spacey was the best bit of acting in the film,i don't think it has aged well especially the 2 leads.
Is it too late to squeeze Silverstone in Oceans 8.
Isn't American Women the series based on the life of Kyle Richards (Sister to Kathy Hilton)?
They're both talented intriguing actresses who could still break through in a big way. I used to be in love with Mena Suvari's character American Beauty when I was 14; she did a great job there. And that movie aged ok I think. No one considers it a classic and it got released in a particularly strong year for film hence the bit of backlash it's suffered.
I support anything with Alicia Silverstone in it. I saw Scooby-Doo 2 in theatres because of her. And I also watched Miss Match (which was actually fairly good, just in the Friday Night Death Slot).
It's nice to see them attached to a project that can reignite their careers, but if I was choosing a 90s blonde, the one I always root for is Heather Graham. Somebody help her!
And, no, American Beauty hasn't aged well. At all.
I just can't bring myself to watch Alicia Silverstone in anything anymore, knowing that she keeps her 5 or 6 dogs on a vegan diet. It's animal cruelty to me. Such a stupid person. Sigh.
I'm of the opinion that it doesn't matter where a show lands, which network, which streaming service, etc. If it's good, it's good, and people will find it. One of the best reviewed shows this year was Louis C.K.'s Horace and Pete, available for download on HIS website! Just because something is on HBO doesn't necessarily mean great (i.e., Vinyl--ugh) or CW teenybopper chuff (yay-Crazy Ex Girlfriend).
This particular show holds no appeal for me, but I'll give it a couple of episodes. The beauty of "peak TV" is there's lot to watch, from all over the globe. And you only have to commit to one hour without leaving the couch.
I really like these two. Teen dreams, both of them. Perhaps their charms just don't translate as well when the roles don't allow them to be funny but they're always watchable.
I did, do and will forever consider American Beauty a classic. And excited to see both Suvari and Silverstone in this show.