Reese Witherspoon Reveals the Classic Film That Shaped Her Career

For decades, Reese Witherspoon has been redefining what it means to be a leading lady in Hollywood. Whether she’s lighting up the screen as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, delivering an Oscar- winning performance as June Cash in Walk the Line, or playing the cunning high school rival in Election, she’s consistently challenged the stereotypes attached to her roles. In recent years, though, her influence has grown far beyond acting. Witherspoon has become a powerhouse producer, championing stories centered on women and often led by female filmmakers.

Her journey as a producer began in the early 2000s, even before her Academy Award win. But it was the massive success of projects like Wild, Gone Girl, and Big Little Lies that truly established her as a force behind the scenes. Today, she’s responsible for a remarkable slate of movies and series, all with a focus on complex female characters. In an industry where big-budget, women-driven stories are still rare, her work stands out. From the gripping drama of Big Little Lies to the suspenseful twists of Gone Girl and the Southern intrigue of Where the Crawdads Sing, her productions often embrace the melodramatic, drawing inspiration from the classics.

Witherspoon’s Cinematic Inspiration

During her 2015 Oscar campaign for Wild, Witherspoon was asked to name the film that influenced her most. She didn’t hesitate to point to a Hollywood gem from the early ‘60s, a time when strong female characters were on screen, but women rarely worked behind the camera. She recalled,

I saw Splendor in the Grass on TV, and I just thought it was so beautiful… I thought Natalie Wood was amazing, and Warren Beatty, his first movie; it was just beautiful.

Directed by Elia Kazan, who won an Oscar for On the Waterfront, Splendor in the Grass hit theaters in 1961. The film is a sweeping melodrama set in 1920s Kansas, following two young lovers whose lives spiral due to the pressures and expectations of their small town. Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty deliver unforgettable performances as the couple torn apart by repression and heartbreak. The story dives into themes of desire, mental health, and societal judgment, with moments of tragedy, whispered poetry, and raw emotion. Thanks to Kazan’s direction and the cast’s commitment, the film remains a moving experience rather than slipping into parody.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

When it first premiered, critics were divided. Some praised its honest look at sexuality and repression, while others found it controversial. As the decade went on, films like The Graduate, Blow Up, and Easy Rider would push boundaries even further, making the earlier uproar over Splendor in the Grass seem almost old-fashioned. Still, the emotional power of the film endures. As Witherspoon herself can attest, the drama and performances continue to resonate, even if the shock factor has faded with time. Kazan’s skill in drawing out deeply human performances ensures the film’s place as a classic that still moves audiences today.