Her Head in Films

Donna Deitch's 'Desert Hearts' (1985)

Listen Later

In this episode, I explore Donna Deitch's 1985 cult classic, "Desert Hearts." It's about Vivian Bell, who travels to Reno, Nevada in 1959 to get a quickie divorce. While she stays at a ranch for six weeks, she meets the vivacious Cay Rivvers, and the two women fall in love. "Desert Hearts" was one of the first films to represent a lesbian relationship without it ending in tragedy or suicide.

Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.

Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.

Original artwork by Dhiyanah Hassan

Show Notes:

  • Listen to my series on debut feature films by women directors: Unrelated, A Brand New Life, Losing Ground
  • Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule
  • More about Filmstruck
  • Listen to my other episodes on queer love stories: Blue is the Warmest Color, Moonlight, Call Me By Your Name
  • More information about Kiki
  • The Criterion Collection edition of Desert Hearts
  • Follow Carolyn Petit on Twitter
  • Read Carolyn Petit's review of Desert Hearts
  • Peggy Ornstein's TED talk
    • ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store
    Her Head in FilmsBy Caitlin
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    70 ratings

    More shows like Her Head in Films

    View all
    Chapo Trap House by Chapo Trap House

    Chapo Trap House

    8,861 Listeners

    Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso by Higher Ground

    Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

    1,463 Listeners

    Blank Check with Griffin & David by Blank Check Productions

    Blank Check with Griffin & David

    6,184 Listeners

    The Adam Friedland Show by The Adam Friedland Show

    The Adam Friedland Show

    10,556 Listeners

    Pod Save America by Crooked Media

    Pod Save America

    87,577 Listeners

    What a Picture by Hannah and Bryan Loomis

    What a Picture

    11 Listeners