Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

A 1993 American romantic comedy-drama western film directed by Gus Van Sant, based on Tom Robbins' 1976 novel of the same name. The story follows Sissy Hankshaw (Uma Thurman), a woman born with unusually large thumbs, which she uses to hitchhike across the country. During her travels, Sissy becomes a model for an eccentric entrepreneur known as The Countess (John Hurt), who promotes female hygiene products. The Countess invites her to his "beauty ranch" called the Rubber Rose Ranch, located in Oregon. There, Sissy encounters a group of independent and free-spirited cowgirls led by Bonanza Jellybean (Lorraine Bracco), who take over the ranch and initiate a revolution against traditional norms. Other characters include Miss Adrian (Angie Dickinson), the owner of the ranch, and Julian Gitche (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious man whom Sissy encounters during her adventures. The film explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms, blending absurd humor with philosophical undertones. The soundtrack is entirely performed by singer k.d. lang, adding a unique atmosphere to the narrative.