Khouri began as a producer of music videos and production coordinator of the "Rigoletto" segment of the film "Aria" (1987) before writing the script for the controversial "Thelma & Louise" (1991). Praised as an exuberant, liberating, feminist buddy film and female take on road movies by a majority of critics, the feature was also reviled by others as a pseudo-feminist revenge fantasy in which the two central characters shoot and kill a man with his hands raised in surrender, rob a convenience store and choose suicide over facing the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, critical and popular favor came down on Khouri's side, with the writer winning several awards, most notably an Oscar. Whatever the screenplay's merits or compromises, it did raise issues about gender politics which were hotly debated by both media and public alike. That feat was not repeated by Khouri's subsequent screenplay for "Something to Talk About" (1995), a popular and generally well-received comedy-drama about a woman's world turned upside down by her husband's infidelity. The feminist sentiments were still there, but the tone was inescapably gentler and more eager to please.
- Also Credited As:
Carolyn Ann Khouri
- Born:
Carolyn Ann Khouri on November 27, 1957 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Job Titles:
Producer, Screenwriter, Actor, Director, Receptionist, Salesclerk, Waitress
Family
Education
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Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, drama
Milestones
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1987 Production coordinator for the Rigoletto segment of the anthology Aria
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1991 Scripted and produced first feature, Thelma & Louise
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1991 Signed a two-picture writing and directing deal with James L Brooks s Gracie Films (July)
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1995 Scripted Something to Talk About starring Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid
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1996 Announced plans to make her directorial debut with the feature Virgin of the Rodeo ; never produced
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2002 Feature directorial debut with The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood ; also wrote adapted screenplay
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2008 Helmed the comedy, Mad Money co-starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah
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Began producing pop music videos for acts such as Alice Cooper, Robert Cray and Winger
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Family moved to a log cabin in Paducah, KY when she was six
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Moved to Nashville, TN where she acted in theater productions and supported herself as a waitress
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Settled in Los Angeles; studied acting and worked as receptionist at a commercial and music video production house