Complex Female Leads: Ellie Arroway (Contact) vs. Louise Banks (Arrival)

This week on Nerdhat we feature a battle between complex female leads in science fiction. Far more than “just a pretty face,” these women (both the characters and the actresses who portrayed them) excel in working environments often dominated by men. As a result, they helm both of these films - 1997’s “Contact” and 2016’s “Arrival” - with aplomb. Both the characters Ellie Arroway and Louise Banks, portayed by award-winning actresses Jodie Foster and Amy Adams, respectively, have enriched the world of science fiction.

 In truth, Laura had a hard time picking a winner for this week’s face-off. We’d love to know what you the listeners think; do you have a favorite? Let us know who and why in the comments (if you’re listening on Spotify) or by commenting on our social media posts. 

Chapters

• 0:07 Intro/Nerdhat News
• 6:04 Louise Banks (Arrival)
• 15:21 Ellie Arroway (Contact)
• 30:36 Discussion
• 34:57 Nerdhat Drawing/Closing