Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
It's funny how you can be a fan without knowing it.
Growing up in the '60s and '70s, during the height of the women's movement, it was almost impossible not to encounter the influence of Helen Reddy and her music.
I remember being 12 years old and belting out "Delta Dawn" at a sleepover with my friend Natalie. We sang so loudly that my mother eventually had to ask us to "tone it down." Pretending to be a singer, especially a strong female one, was our favorite thing to do.
During my teenage years, Helen Reddy's music slipped from my radar, but the power of her I Am Woman anthem remained lodged in my memory. Even now, I can still belt out the lyrics with an emphatic fist in the air, proudly declaring, "I am strong, I am invincible!" It seems my mother's feminist ideals and taste in music have had a more profound impact on me than I realized.
While flicking through the Netflix menu recently, I came across the Helen Reddy biopic I Am Woman, starring Tilda Cobham-Hervey. Given my limited knowledge of Reddy beyond her chart-topping hits, I approached the film with curiosity but also a bit of skepticism that I would like it. I was pleasantly surprised by how informative and enlightening the film was.
The biopic provides a compelling portrait of Reddy's life, tracing her journey from her beginnings in Australia to her rise as a powerful voice in the American music industry. It highlights her musical talent and role as a cultural icon advocating for women's rights.
The film offers a nuanced look at her struggles, including her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry and her commitment to using her platform for social change.
One of the film's most striking elements is how it contextualizes Reddy's music within the broader feminist movement. Her songs, especially "I Am Woman," became anthems for the women's liberation movement, embodying empowerment and resilience.
The biopic captures how Reddy's personal experiences and the societal shifts of the time intertwined, making her music both popular and profoundly influential.
The movie also delves into Reddy's emotional and professional struggles, such as balancing her career with motherhood and dealing with the pressures of fame. These aspects add depth to her character, illustrating that her success came with significant sacrifice and perseverance.
Although the film does drag at times, Tilda Cobham-Hervey shines as Helen. Her performance is entirely believable, bringing Reddy's spirit to life. Evan Peters, who plays Jeff Wald, Reddy's husband and manager, effectively captures both his talents as a producer and his darker side.
I also enjoyed the cameo by Reddy's granddaughter, Lily Donat, who sings a song written especially for the movie called "Revolution." Her beautiful voice and the song's tribute to women everywhere add a touching note to the film.
Watching I Am Woman reminded me of the deep impact music can have on our lives. Helen Reddy's story is a testament to the power of music as a force for social change and personal empowerment. The film reminded me of the feminist ideals my mother carried with her for most of her adult life, and I was happy to learn more about Helen Reddy the Woman. And yes, I was singing along for much of the film.
I guess I am a Helen Reddy fan and just forgot. What a lovely reminder!
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