The Girl On the Train, a thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery when she witnesses a shocking event during her daily train commute, was released seven years ago today to great acclaim. This well-crafted and enthralling thriller was written by none other than Erin Cressida Wilson.
Erin Cressida Wilson is a screenwriter and playwright, known for creating stories which are often dark and sexy, and always captivating. After growing up in San Francisco, Erin attended Smith College, where her skill and passion for writing began to develop. In her twenties, she wrote five plays, characterized by their deep exploration of character psychology and intricate interpersonal dynamics. Her early experiences with playwriting were no doubt instrumental to her success as a screenwriter.
Secretary showcased Erin’s unique ability to tackle taboo subjects with grace and sensitivity, from her very first screenplay.
Erin’s very first film – Secretary (2002) – put her name on the map in a very big way. Described by FF2 Editor-in-Chief Jan Lisa Huttner as “Beautifully stylized, highly erotic [and] psychologically acute,” Secretary is an unconventional romantic dramedy revolving around a young woman who becomes a secretary for a high-powered attorney. The relationship that she develops with him eventually involves BDSM practices, power dynamics, and complex romantic feelings. Secretary showcased Erin’s unique ability to tackle taboo subjects – from her very first screenplay – with grace and sensitivity. At yearend, Secretary was showered with nominations. Erin won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay, and Maggie Gyllenhaal (who played the lead) received recognition as the National Board of Review’s “Breakthrough Performance – Female” winner.
Secretary showcased Erin’s unique ability to tackle taboo subjects with grace and sensitivity, from her very first screenplay.
Another notable film of Erin’s is Chloe (2009), which stars Julianne Moore as a woman who hires a young prostitute named Chloe (played by Amanda Seyfried) to seduce her husband David and test his fidelity. However, things become increasingly entangled when both David and Catherine develop relationships with Chloe. Chloe further demonstrates Erin’s astute sense of the nuances of human relationships, and of both the magic and the pitfalls of sexual intimacy.
With The Girl On the Train (2016), Erin delved into the thriller genre. The film is told from the perspective of multiple female characters, but ultimately centers around Rachel (played by Emily Blunt). Rachel is a troubled alcoholic who witnesses a shocking event which she observes and then fantasizes about on her daily commute on the train. As the story unfolds, the audience is drawn into a suspenseful and psychological puzzle, where secrets and lies are gradually revealed. In her review of the film, FF2 contributor Jessica Perry stated that the film “does its job as a compelling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.”
With The Girl On the Train, Erin demonstrated a keen understanding not only of sexuality, but also of the darkest parts of the human psyche.
With The Girl On the Train, Erin demonstrated a keen understanding not only of sexuality, but also of the darkest parts of the human psyche. The Girl On the Train is a striking portrayal of addiction, obsession and betrayal, crafted by a screenplay genius whose narrative keeps the viewer transfixed from start to finish. Brava, Erin!
© Julia Lasker (10/7/23) FF2 Media
LEARN MORE/DO MORE
Read Jessica Perry’s review of The Girl On the Train here.
Read Jan Lisa Huttner’s review of Secretary here.
Read Jan Lisa Huttner’s review of Chloe here.
Watch The Girl On the Train here.
Watch Secretary here.
Watch Chloe here.
CREDITS & PERMISSIONS
Featured Photo: Emily Blunt as Rachel Watson in the film THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (2016) written by Erin Cressida Wilson. Photo Credit: AMBLIN ENT/DREAMWORKS SKG/MARC PLATT PROD/REALICE ENT / Album / Alamy Stock Photo. Image ID: P4HDY0
Middle: The provocative Secretary (2002) poster issued in EPK by distributor Lions Gate Entertainment.
Bottom Photo: Erin Cressida Wilson at arrivals for CALL ME CRAZY: A Five Film World Premiere, Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles, CA April 16, 2013. Photo Credit: Emiley Schweich/Everett Collection/Alamy Stock Photo. Image ID: D6DWYM
