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Home » Blogs » Trish Bendix's blog » "Agora" trailer shows a woman who is boss

"Agora" trailer shows a woman who is boss

by
Trish Bendix

One of our Hot 100 women, Rachel Weisz, has pretty much always played second fiddle to a man in all of her films (see: The Mummy, The Constant Gardener, etc.). But in her new film, Agora, she plays Hypatia of Alexandria, a famed astronomer and philosopher.

Hypathia has a great history, including being one of the first women mathematicians, and although the film synopsis seems to talk a lot of her romantic relationships in the film, the trailer shows there seems to be just as much other action as glances in her suitors' directions.

The film doesn't open until December, but just having a smart female at the center of the film that knows her stuff has me geeked already. What do you think of Agora?

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    • Submitted by
    Trish Bendix
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:00pm.
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    Caitlin's picture

    looks good

    Submitted by
    Caitlin (38 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:04pm.

    it had me at mathematician, im such a geek! looks like a gud movie and Rachel Weisz is hot. 

    heartonfire's picture

    YAY! Rachel Weisz

    Submitted by
    heartonfire (1 post)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:05pm.
    Trailer looks good so far... Excited!
    ords's picture

    yummy!

    Submitted by
    ords (54 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:17pm.
    maths + rachel weisz=geek heaven
    Cooper's picture

    That's one equation i'd go

    Submitted by
    Cooper (14 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 5:07pm.

    That's one equation i'd go for any day lol

    Looks like it'll be a grand film :)

    CaroL's picture

    Agora...?

    Submitted by
    CaroL (127 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:31pm.

    Why is the movie called 'Agora'? 'Agora' means 'now' in portuguese...

    Well, anyway, I love Rachel... she is such a good actress! She was perfect in 'The Constant Gardener'!

     

    @carolsdc

    Harpy's picture

    Agora

    Submitted by
    Harpy (9568 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 6:48pm.

    In Ancient Greece the Agora was basically the towncenter.  Where the public gathered, conducted business, etc.

    ____________

    Forum Rules 
    AfterEllen Moderator

     

    p6der's picture

    Αγορά

    Submitted by
    p6der (22 posts)
    on September 10, 2009 - 1:57pm.
    Means market place in Greek. I'm pretty sure it's not named in Portuguese;)
    Barbara's picture

    They already responded your

    Submitted by
    Barbara (12 posts)
    on September 10, 2009 - 7:11pm.
    They already responded your question, but (as a brazilian myself) can tell you that we speak greek "agora" like this: ágora. So, it's different from "agora" (agóra) as "now".
    CaroL's picture

    "Ágora"

    Submitted by
    CaroL (127 posts)
    on September 17, 2009 - 12:31pm.

    Oh right... ágora makes more sense indeed =) Thanks!

    @carolsdc

    Kaisa's picture

    I'm really excited for this,

    Submitted by
    Kaisa (51 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:59pm.

    I'm really excited for this, Hypatia has an interesting (and largely forgotten, until Carl Sagan mentioned her in Cosmos) story.  Plus, Rachel Weisz...mmm. I wouldn't worry about this film focusing too much on her romantic relationships.  In fact, I'd be surprised if that's touched on at all, given what Weisz and Amenábar have said about the film so far.

    I'm curious to see how historically accurate the ending will be.  It's a bit extreme...I wonder if they'll go all the way.   

    Quote:
    Why is the movie called 'Agora'? 'Agora' means 'now' in portuguese...

    An agora is an architectonic form typical of ancient Greek markets, e.g the Ancient Agora of Athens.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agora_(disambiguation)

    Lunakiss's picture

    Rachel Weisz Perfect For The Film Agora

    Submitted by
    Lunakiss (2086 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 4:59pm.

    I,too, love and adore Rachel Weiz.  She's an actress in hollywoood who is so overlook and under appreciated. She really is a classic actress. Love her in all her films.

    I haven't been to the movies lately b/c there is nothing worth watching.  Although,I'm trying to stay away from violent films, I'll be going to this one.  It is uncommon and rare for a film to center around a  historical female figure. I'm so psyched about this one.

    I defintely will be doing some research on Hypatia.

    Keep bringing these  kinds of films to our attention. I love it when Afterellen does this.

     

    Bub's picture

    Can't wait!

    Submitted by
    Bub (15 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 5:44pm.
    As both a Classics student and a big Rachel Weisz fan, I am hugely and geekily excited for this! Hypatia is a fascinating figure, I look forward to seeing how her story is handled.
    lenageek's picture

    I just saw this trailer last night

    Submitted by
    lenageek (67 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 5:51pm.
    By seeing the poster first and I had to do a double take when I saw it was the lovely Rachel! Wow, this looks fantastic! Can't wait to see Rachel take on this historical role as a leading lady!
    Deedeez's picture

    Hypatia!

    Submitted by
    Deedeez (30 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 6:16pm.

    I was like crazy looking for books about her some time ago, but never found one in my language ._. I'm so gonna watch this!

     

    And, According to my teacher, Hypatia had lots of women lovers...

    KVT's picture

    Compared to other scholars

    Submitted by
    KVT (237 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 9:54pm.

    Compared to other scholars of her time, there's very little academic texts about her, but if you're comfortable with English, this one's my favorite: Hypatia of Alexandria

    She supposedly remained celibate, but I don't know about that. ;)

    Harpy's picture

    Hypatia

    Submitted by
    Harpy (9568 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 11:51pm.

    Often people are asked: If you could change one thing in history what would it be?  Most say the Holocaust I assume; atleast that's what I've most often heard.

    For me, I would say the destruction of the Library of Alexandria (either instance).  It is theorized that the library's destruction set the world back 1,000 years.  If that had not been destroyed, who knows where we would be today and what would and would not have happened?

    Hypatia was the last head librarian of the library and lived during the spread of Christianity -- Which, as we all know, was much less tolerant then it is today.  Unfortunately, if the library had not burned, it's likely many 'blasphemous' scrolls and texts would have been destroyed regardless.  This was already taking place.

    So, my point is that most of Hypatia's contributions were either intentionally or unintentionally destroyed.  I'm very interested to see how Agora plays out.  I'm also really interested to see how they re-create the library.  Hopefully the movie is great. 

    Harpy, utilizes every opportunity to talk about ancient history.

    _________

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    AfterEllen Moderator

    scorpio54's picture

    Archimedes

    Submitted by
    scorpio54 (158 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 1:15am.
    The single historical figure whose death I'd undo is Archimedes. The Roman high command wanted him taken alive when they attacked Syracuse because they realised his importance. Unfortunately, some half-wit legionnaire who hadn't got the memo ran him through with his sword. Why Archimedes? Because he was not only 1000 years ahead of his time but 2000 years. As a recently discovered Greek text overwritten with Christian prayers has revealed, he was using calculus 1900 years before Newton and Leibniz. Thinking how much more advanced our civilisation might be if that knowledge hadn't been lost (possibly, yes, as a result of the destruction of the library at Alexandria) sends a shiver down my spine.
    KVT's picture

    don't stop

    Submitted by
    KVT (237 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 2:43am.
    Ms. Harpy, you rock on with your ancient history espousing ways, it's very sexy. ;)
    luabird's picture

    Agora

    Submitted by
    luabird (4 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 6:52pm.

    An 'Agora' was a wide public place, similar to a square or a market, where the former Greeks were doing social life.Amenábar is a genius. 

    Ashley's picture

    Yes, please!

    Submitted by
    Ashley (94 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 6:59pm.
    I typically don't like movies of this ilk, but Rachel Weisz as a leading lady makes for a lovely exception. I can't wait until December!
    Sara's picture

    wow

    Submitted by
    Sara (1042 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 7:16pm.

    Looks great. I love Rachel Weisz.

    Cant wait!

    Brennan's picture

    Hmm...

    Submitted by
    Brennan (42 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 7:32pm.

    Haha when I saw "Agora" I automatically thought "Agoraphobia." But it looks good nonetheless!

    I loved Rachel Weisz in The Mummy!!

    Audrey's picture

    This looks great! I'm so

    Submitted by
    Audrey (30 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 7:54pm.
    This looks great! I'm so excited!!!
    boudicca13's picture

    Um

    Submitted by
    boudicca13 (99 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 8:07pm.
    yeah, that looks like my perfect kind of movie.... going to be seeing that one =)
    lookatthestar's picture

    Woooohhhh

    Submitted by
    lookatthestar (108 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 8:33pm.
    I am sooo watching this!
    butterfly.'s picture

    interesting

    Submitted by
    butterfly. (108 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 8:57pm.

    To draw on tired stereotypes, it looks like a nice mix of action/women for boys/men and feminism/hotness for girls/dykes -laugh- I think I'll watch it when it comes out. Maybe convince my best lezbro to come with. (:

     

    ...and therefore is wingéd cupid painted blind

    Nash's picture

    About time!

    Submitted by
    Nash (45 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 9:28pm.

    We had a female driven period action piece!

    Got me fired up for an uprising!

    Nash

    www.brokenbarrel.ca

    KVT's picture

    Thanks

    Submitted by
    KVT (237 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 10:02pm.
    Thanks for the article because I didn't even know about this movie.  I'm mainly interested in seeing how the movie will depict Christianity, but my assumption is that it'll be very politically correct as not to ruffle anyone's feathers.  Another thing, why not just call the movie Hypatia instead of Agora? 
    Shazam's picture

    Oh boy, I'm defintiely seeing this!

    Submitted by
    Shazam (81 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 10:19pm.
    It looks really good! I'm especially intriged by all of the dialogue on God. If it is what the trailer makes it out to be: an intelligent, even philisophical film with great action in it, then I will certainly be pleased. And a female lead and hero? I'm bringing all my friends!!!
    Vivian's picture

    Rachel Weisz

    Submitted by
    Vivian (3 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 10:46pm.
    HOT HOT HOT!!! def. gonna see this.
    Keph's picture

    so there!

    Submitted by
    Keph (76 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 11:02pm.

    thanks for bringing this movie to our attention! 

    Rachel Weisz's one of my fav. and you add on the ancient Greece element to it..

    i'm SO there! 

    pancreas's picture

    You're right, I've always

    Submitted by
    pancreas (314 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 11:14pm.
    You're right, I've always had a lot of respect for her but never noticed all her roles have been supporting lead actors. I love the director Alejandro Amenabar so I look forward to this.
    lovecatcadillac's picture

    I'm definitely seeing this.

    Submitted by
    lovecatcadillac (112 posts)
    on September 8, 2009 - 11:38pm.
    I'm definitely seeing this. I love Rachel Weisz, and I remember Hypatia from my Child's Book of Philosophy when I was a little girl - she was my favourite of all, mainly because she was one of the few female philosophers.
    katemc39's picture

    So cool

    Submitted by
    katemc39 (151 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 1:54pm.

    If Lisa Simpson were a film producer, this is what she would make.  A movie about an ancient heroine of great intellect and influence as directed by a Chilean Spaniard?

    I'm so in.

    Ana's picture

    Can't wait for this movie

    Submitted by
    Ana (108 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 6:00am.

    Can't wait for this movie and Rachel Weisz is perfect choice- loved her in The Constant Gardener.

    Never insult anyone by accident.

    R.A.H.

    theJadedRogue's picture

    Love it, Love Rachel, 'nuff

    Submitted by
    theJadedRogue (37 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 7:42am.

    Love it, Love Rachel, 'nuff said

     

     

    http://theshoefitsmisscatherine.blogspot.com

     

    thejadedrogue

     

    Strawbs's picture

    Err, its got Rachel Weise in it

    Submitted by
    Strawbs (48 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 3:23pm.

    So im there.

     It looks really good though, so il prob go see it

    volk's picture

    ..

    Submitted by
    volk (39 posts)
    on September 9, 2009 - 7:00pm.

    it's a film by Alejandro Amenabar, Im  watching it.

     

    He's a great filmaker, watch Thesis and Abre los ojos ( spanish original version of vainilla sky) and you'll see how awesome he is.

     

     

    gobuckeyes's picture

    So seeing this!

    Submitted by
    gobuckeyes (314 posts)
    on September 10, 2009 - 9:12am.
    So seeing this!
    bugle_boi's picture

    hmm

    Submitted by
    bugle_boi (66 posts)
    on September 10, 2009 - 8:43pm.
    well.. i don't know if the movie itself looks all that great
    but rachel weisz looks amazing, as always. she's so stunning <33333
    fattelo_con_me's picture

    Agora term already explained...

    Submitted by
    fattelo_con_me (4 posts)
    on September 12, 2009 - 10:37am.

    Yep Agora in greek means "the market" literally and always meant the place where anyone could learn, listen, express, buy, etc...

    By the way Υπατία της Αλεξάνδρειας ( Hypatia of Alexandria) isn't mentioned or is not often at greek schools as one of the greatest hellenistic scholars of the period! Who knows why....

    here are some info's about her in english 

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia_of_Alexandria

    flor's picture

    Keeping my fingers crossed...

    Submitted by
    flor (201 posts)
    on September 12, 2009 - 9:36pm.

    This looks very promising.

    The dedication to the period, telling of the consequences of the harsh loss of the library of knowledge (to date), the pattern of religious zealous destruction of the "other", an exceptionally intellectual woman above the mundane life of the ordinary and distractions of physical desire.

    Now, if it just keeps as devoted to spurning the male advances as Hypathia purported to...

    My great LOVE: ancient history.

     

    Riley's picture

    When it comes out, I'll be in the back row watching :)

    Submitted by
    Riley (64 posts)
    on September 13, 2009 - 4:58am.
    A movie about a brilliant and influencial women, who happens to be played by Rachel Weisz:  I'm definitely going to see it :)
    Viorica's picture

    Any mention of math makes me

    Submitted by
    Viorica (36 posts)
    on October 1, 2009 - 2:05pm.

    Any mention of math makes me break out into a cold sweat, but this trailer looks interesting. I just hope they don't go down the "Here's an intelligent female historical figure- let's make it all about her love life!" route.

     

    ______________________________________________________

    "The state does not belong in the bedrooms of the nation"- Pierre Trudeau

    trefill's picture

    Hypatia feminist icon

    Submitted by
    trefill (14 posts)
    on October 3, 2009 - 8:37am.
    Agora will be released next Friday in Spain. Can't wait to watch it! Hypatia was a fascinating woman of such great importance in History. I can't believe she isn't more well-known. I hope I can handle the sight of a library being burned :) not to mention other stuff. I had also read that the library's destruction (and what they did to Hypatia) set the world back 1.000 years. The director has said that this film is against intolerance and fanaticism and shows how humans have not changed so much since then, sadly. It's definitely a feminist film too. 

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