"I'd like to be played as a child by Natalie Wood. I'd have some romantic scenes as Audrey Hepburn and have gritty black-and-white scenes as Patricia Neal"

Gloria Steinem’s reference to Natalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn, and Patricia Neal conveys her multifaceted identity and the complexity of embodying womanhood through varied cinematic archetypes. By imagining herself portrayed by three distinct actresses, each symbolizing unique qualities, Steinem constructs a narrative that transcends any single dimension of the self.

To be played as a child by Natalie Wood evokes innocence, vulnerability, and a precocious wisdom. Wood, as an actress, was celebrated for bringing emotion and realism to her youthful roles, suggesting a formative period filled with both curiosity and sensitivity. Steinem’s choice hints at a nostalgia for that time of wonder, as well as the hardships or formative experiences that can shape a young girl’s life.

Transitioning to Audrey Hepburn for the romantic scenes draws upon another cinematic icon, renowned for her elegance, grace, and understated strength. Hepburn’s characters, often sophisticated yet approachable, encapsulated idealized romance and genuine emotion. Steinem’s invocation of Hepburn suggests the desire to be seen as both desirable and independent, to experience and express love, but also retain a sense of personal autonomy and charm. Romantic scenes are thus not merely about love, but about the allure and complexity inherent in such relationships.

Finally, her mention of gritty black-and-white scenes with Patricia Neal embodies resilience and realism. Neal’s filmography includes roles where she portrays women confronting adversity with pragmatism and depth; she is associated with characters shaped by struggle but defined by their endurance. By situating herself in these raw, unvarnished narratives, Steinem recognizes the necessity of facing life’s harshness head on.

In weaving these portrayals together, Steinem bypasses simplistic narratives and lays claim to a more intricate, authentic story, one characterized by innocence, romance, and grit. The cinematic metaphors underscore her belief in embracing all facets of one’s life journey.